summer 2011 tennessee home and farm

tnfarmbureau.org Published for the 657,362 family members of the Tennessee Farm Bureau

tnhomeandfarm.comSummer 2011

Home & Farm

The Culinary CampfireDiscover the lost art of cooking over an open fire

SweeT on The Bonnie BlueGet a taste of the farm from this B&B’s cannery

moleS & VoleSLearn how to keep these critters out of your garden

Tennessee

www.tnfarmbureau.org

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www.tnfarmbureau.org/memberbenefits

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2 Home & Farm|Summer2011 tnfarmbureau.org

Tennessee

Home & Farm

Cast Iron & CicadasWhen we featured a story about Lodge Cast Iron in South Pittsburg,

Tenn., in our last issue (online at tnhomeandfarm.com/lodge-cast-iron), we never imagined so many of you would write in to tell us your strong connection to cast iron. The cookware lasts for generations, which over the years results in some great family stories like this one:

“I have three pieces of Lodge Cast Iron cookware – a Dutch oven, a medium skillet and a small skillet. The Dutch oven belonged to my grandmother, it was passed down to my mother and now I have it. I would not trade it for anything.” – Marian Ridley

Your memories about cicadas may not be as sentimental, but we love hearing them just the same. Share your stories and photos – and read others – at cicadacentral.com. We’re giving away a prize to the best entry.

Speaking of prizes, remember that our photo contest is still going on, and during the month of August we will kick off our readers’ choice contest for online entrants. For more details or to view this year’s photo contest entries, visit tnhomeandfarm.com/photocontest.

Jessy Yancey, managing [email protected]

AnofficialpublicationoftheTennesseeFarmBureauFederation©2011TFBF

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federationtnfarmbureau.org

EDITor Pettus Read

CIrCuLATIon mAnAgEr Stacey Warner

BoArD oF DIrECTorS President Lacy Upchurch, Vice President Danny Rochelle

DIrECTorS AT LArgE Jeff Aiken, Charles Hancock, Catherine Via

DISTrICT DIrECTorS Malcolm Burchfiel, James Haskew, Eric Mayberry, Dan Hancock, David Mitchell

STATE FB WomEn’S ChAIrmAn Jane May

ADvISorY DIrECTorS Buddy Mitchell, Jamie Weaver

ChIEF ADmInISTrATIvE oFFICEr Joe Pearson

TrEASurEr Wayne Harris

ComPTroLLEr Tim Dodd

mAnAgIng EDITor Jessy Yancey

CoPY EDITorS Lisa Battles, Jill Wyatt

ConTEnT CoorDInATor Blair Thomas

ConTrIBuTIng WrITErS Melissa Burniston, Carol Cowan, Erin Edgemon, Kim Green, Susan Hamilton,

Anthony Kimbrough, Tiffany Howard, Jessica Mozo, Karen Schwartzman, Cassandra M. Vanhooser,

Jessica Walker, Bryan Wright

CrEATIvE DIrECTor Keith Harris

PhoTogrAPhY DIrECTor Jeffrey S. Otto

mEDIA TEChnoLogY DIrECTor Christina Carden

SEnIor PhoTogrAPhErS Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord

STAFF PhoTogrAPhErS Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier

SEnIor grAPhIC DESIgnErS Laura Gallagher, Vikki Williams

ProoFrEADIng mAnAgEr Raven Petty

AD ProDuCTIon mAnAgEr Katie Middendorf

AD TrAFFIC ASSISTAnTS Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan

WEB ConTEnT mAnAgEr John Hood

WEB DESIgn DIrECTor Franco Scaramuzza

WEB DESIgnEr Richard Stevens

mEDIA TEChnoLogY AnALYSTS Chandra Bradshaw, Yamel Hall, Alison Hunter, Marcus Snyder

InTEgrATED mEDIA mAnAgEr Robin Robertson

ChAIrmAnGreg Thurman

PrESIDEnT/PuBLIShErBob Schwartzman

ExECuTIvE vICE PrESIDEnTRay Langen

Sr. v.P./SALESTodd Potter, Carla Thurman

Sr. v.P./oPErATIonS Casey Hester

v.P./vISuAL ConTEnTMark Forester

v.P./ExTErnAL CommunICATIonS Teree Caruthers

v.P./CuSTom PuBLIShIng Kim Newsom Holmberg

v.P./ConTEnT oPErATIonS Natasha Lorens

ConTroLLErChris Dudley

ADvErTISIng SALES mAnAgEr, CuSTom DIvISIonTori Hughes

DISTrIBuTIon DIrECTorGary Smith

oFFICE mAnAgEr Shelly Grissom

rECEPTIonIST Linda Bishop

Tennessee Home & FarmisproducedfortheTennesseeFarmBureauFederationbyJournalCommunicationsInc.,725CoolSpringsBlvd.,Suite400,Franklin,TN37067,(615)771-0080.

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Tennessee Home & Farm (USPSNo.022-305)IssuedquarterlybytheTennesseeFarmBureauFederation,147BearCreekPike,Columbia,TN38401,(931)388-7872.PeriodicalpermitpaidatColumbia,TN,andadditionalentryoffices.

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SUBSCRiBE OR CHANGE ADDRESSContactyourcountyFarmBureauoffice.TH&Fisincludedinyour$25FarmBureauannualdues;nootherpurchasenecessary.

ADVERTiSiNG POLiCY Foradvertisinginformation,contactRobinRobertson,(800)333-8842,ext.227,[email protected].

Alladvertisingacceptedissubjecttopublisher’sapproval.Advertisersmustassumeallliabilityfortheiradvertisingcontent.Publisherandsponsormaintaintherighttocanceladvertisingfornonpaymentorreadercomplaintaboutserviceorproduct.Publisherdoesnotacceptpoliticaloralcoholicbeverageads,nordoespublisherprescreenorguaranteeadvertiserserviceorproducts.PublisherassumesnoliabilityforproductsorservicesadvertisedinTennessee Home & Farm.

At a Glance/A sampling of destinations in this issue

1/McMinnville3/Smyrna

4/Unicoi

5/Shiloh

2/Ripley

2/Rutledge

1/ Take home a jar of preserves after spending the weekend at Bonnie Blue Inn & Cannery in mcminnville. page12

2/ Celebrate summer at Tennessee tomato festivals, held on either side of the state in ripley and rutledge. page6

3/ Send your kids to a history-themed camp at Sam Davis home in Smyrna. page6

4/ Stock up on fresh summer produce at Scott Strawberry & Tomato Farm in unicoi. page7

5/ Enjoy a delicious dinner overlooking the Tennessee river at Catfish hotel in Shiloh. page29

Editor’s note

www.tnfarmbureau.org

www.tnhomeandfarm.com/lodge-cast-iron

www.cicadacentral.com

www.tnhomeandfarm.com/photocontest


On the COver Photo by Antony Boshier, Johnny Nix’s Crescent Apple Tart

Features 8/The Culinary Campfire

JohnnyNixsharesthelostartofcookingoveranopenfire

12/ Sweet on the Bonnie BlueB&Bgivesguestsatasteofthefarmthroughitscannerysidebusiness

16/Carving his nicheWoodworkeruseshobbytoshowappreciation,gratitude

18/A Place for EverythingLearneasyandfunwaystoorganizekids’rooms

22/Taste of TennesseeFarmersmarkets,roadsidestandsprovidebountyforsummerrecipes 22

Departments 5/read All About It

Changeisn’talwaysagoodthing

6/Short rowsTomatofestivalsspanthestate

27/Country ClassicsStrawberrySheetCake

29/restaurant reviewHagy’sCatfishHotelinShiloh

30/gardeningMolesandvolesinthegarden,ohmy!

33/Farmside ChatFifth-generationfarmerJohnButler

35/To good healthTheimportanceofthank-younotes

36/Farm Bureau AlmanacConnectingconsumerswithfarmfood

38/TravelFarmcampsmakeagreatgetaway

42/Events & FestivalsThingstodo,placestosee

48/view From the Back PorchNostalgicforSouthernsummers

8 12

18

Table of Contents


FOOD Travel HOme & GarDen aGriculTure Tn livinG

Questions, comments and story ideas can be sent to: Jessy Yancey, 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, or email us at [email protected].

A Trip Down memory highway

IliveinAtlantabutgrewupinEtowah,Tenn.MybrothersandsistersandIhavebeeninandoutoftheL&NDepotmanytimes.Ourdadretiredafter47yearsofworkingfortheL&NRailroad.ItislikeabreathoffreshairtoleaveI-75todrivenorthon Hwy.411andseethosebeautifulmountains!Thanksforthememories!

Dottie Pullen Thomas via tnhomeandfarm.com/highway-411

Botanic garden BloomsWeareveryexcitedaboutthenew

HerbGarden[atMemphisBotanicGarden,Spring2011].Sincewehadsuchacoldwinter,weheldoffoninstallationofmostofthetenderherbseedlingsuntilallthechancesforheavyfrostpassed.

Plantingwillbeanongoingprocess,asthingsareseasonal,anditisamassiveundertaking.Agooddealoftheplantinghappenedmid-April,withthingsreallygrowinginandtakingshapebythissummer.

ThereareplentyofthingstoseeatMemphisBotanicGarden,andothernewprojectsintheworks,socomeonoutandwatchtheprogressastheHerbGarden,WildlifePhotographyGardenandotherareasspringintobloom!

Jana Gilbertson Director of marketing/Pr memphis Botanic Garden

Editor’s Note: Flippens Fruit Farm, which we mentioned in the peach tree pruning story in our Spring 2011 issue, no longer has a year-round market. They do still have a peach orchard and operate seasonal markets from May through October.

From Our Readers

Cicada CentralThe13-yearBroodXIXcicadaisthebigbuzzinpartsofTennesseethissummer.Findcicadafunfacts,tips,photosandPettusRead’sthoughtsonthesebigred-eyedbugsatwww.cicadacentral.com,whereyoucanalsoshareyourowncicadastoriesandphotosforachancetowinaprize.

Online Library Readpastissuesandnewonline-onlymagazines

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SummerA COLLECTION OF REFRESHING SUMMER RECIPES

Sponsored by Tennessee Farm Fresh

simply

CICADA CENTRAL

The buzz on the bugs of summer

Photo Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Forestry Archive, Bugwood.org


Just Leave It AloneRun-ins with the changeRs of what makes sense in life

ItneverfailsthatwhenIfindsomethingthatworksthewayIwantitto,fitsmybodythewayitshould,tastesthewayIlikeit,

smellsthewayitshouldsmellandcoststheamountitshouldcost,somebodyfromoutofnowherewillgoandchangeitorcompletelydoawaywithit.Andthesedays,itdoesn’ttakelongfortheprocesstohappen,either.

JusttheotherdayIhadarun-inwiththe“changersofwhatmakessenseinlife”whenIwenttobuyanewgascan.AllIwantedwasasimpletwo-gallongascantofillupmylawnmower.Youknow,thekindwithacapandaspoutmadefromplasticwithalittleventintheback.But,thankstothe“changers,”ourenvironmentnolongercansurvivewiththosetypesofdangerouscans,andwenowhavetheenvironmentallyfriendlycansthathavenoventorcapsyoucanscrewoff.Instead,topourthecontentsfromthecan,youmustpushdownonthebackofthespoutwhilealsoslidingtheleverdownandliftingthecan. Youmustalsoliftonelegwhileplacingyourtonguetotheleftsideofyourcheekandholdingyourbreathwhilepouring.

Thesecansaresupposedtopreventmorefumesfromescapingintotheatmospherethantheoldercans,butIwonderifanyonetookintoaccounttheextraamountofgasthatispouredalloverthegroundduetotheinabilityofthepourertohandlethesecreationsmadeforacontortionist.

Plus,ifyouhappentobeusingthesenewcapsonafive-galloncan,thenforgetliftingthatsuckertopourfuelintoatop-loadingtractorunlessyouhappentobemadeliketheHulk.Theenvironmentmaybesafe,butyourbackisgoingtobeagoner.

Thesamethinghappenswithmedicines.Theyareallthetimechangingthesizeand

shapeofthepillsItake.IhaveenoughtroublekeepingupwithwhatpillsIneedtotakeatwhattimeofthedaywithoutthepillcompanieschangingthecolororsizeonaregularbasis.IevenwenttotheextraeffortofgettingoneofthoseboxeswiththedaysoftheweekonthemsoIcouldremembertogettherightpillattherighttime.Now,I’mcatchingmyselfhavingtoremindmyselfwhatdayitis,soI’veputacalendarupclosetothepillbox.ButwhenthepillcompanieschangethecolortolooklikeanotherpillI’malreadytaking,thenI’mcompletelyconfused.Itmakesmewonderifthereissomepersonatthepillcompanywhogetsakickoutofmakinglifedifficultforthoseofuswhohaveafewextramilesonus.

Ihadadoor-to-doorpreacherstopbythehousenotlongagoinvitingmetocometohischurch.IappreciatedhisvisitandtoldhimIalreadyattendedchurchelsewhereandthankedhimforcomingby.Hedidn’twanttoleaverightawayandaskedme,“Haveyoueverthoughtaboutthehereafter?”

ItoldhimIthoughtaboutthatallthetime,andhelookedkindofsurprised.“Youreallythinkaboutthehereafterallthetime?”heasked.

“YesIdo,”Ianswered.“JustthismorningIwentintothebackbedroomandaskedmyself,‘NowwhatamIhereafter?’”

Changeissomethingthatisgoingtohappen,andweallhavetogetusedtoit,butIwonderifithastohappenasoftenasit does.Maybeitisimportanttochangethe colorofapilloritssize,thedesignofthe labelorevendoawaywithmyfavoriteitemonyourmenu.Changedoeskeepusonourtoes,butthesenewgascapsareliterallykeepingusonourtoes.

about the authorPettusL.Readis

editoroftheTennessee Farm Bureau NewsanddirectorofcommunicationsfortheTennesseeFarmBureauFederation.

Read more about itReadhascollectedhis

favoritecolumnsintoabooktitledRead All About It.PartoftheproceedsofthebooksalesgotoTennessee4-HandTennesseeFFAprograms.

Buyacopyonlineattnhomeandfarm.com/store.

Read All About It

www.tnhomeandfarm.com/store


1 2

3

1/ CampBackinTimeKidscantravelbacktothe1800s

andintotheworldofCivilWarlegend

SamDavisataseriesofsummercamps

attheSamDavisHomeinSmyrna.

TheAppleValleySchoolcamp,

whichrunsJune20-24,allowsboys

andgirlsages8-12thechancetobe

19th-centurystudentsandroleplayas

membersoffamiliesfromlongago.

Theywillenjoyauthenticlessonsfrom

the1800s,makecrafts,playgames,

andvisitthehistorichouseand

grounds.Periodcostumesareoptional.

Otherweeklongcampsincludethe

JaneDavisAcademyforgirlsand

SchooloftheSoldierforboys.

TolearnmoreabouttheSamDavis

Homeandits2011summercamps,visit

www.samdavishome.org.

2/ Make’MaterMemoriesTennesseanslovetheirtomatoes,

andtownsacrossthestatecelebratethesummerfruitwithtomatofestivals.

TheLauderdaleCountyTomatoFestivalinRipleyhonorsareatomatogrowersJuly8-9.Theweekend’seventsincludetomatotasting,carnivalrides,artsandcraftsandlivemusic.

TraveltotheGraingerCountyTomatoFestivalinRutledgeJuly29-31toenjoyworkfromlocalartistsandcraftsmenandawidevarietyoftomatoesfromlocalgrowers.

HighlightingtheartisticsideofthesummerfruitistheTomatoArtFestinEastNashville.ThisannualfestivalisheldinAugustandincludesatomatoartshow,theTomatOlympicsandtomatojewelrymaking.

Anddon’tforget,PettusReadmakes

agreattomatosandwich.Forlinkstohistomatosandwichvideoandallofthesefestivals,visittnhomeandfarm.com/tn-tomato-festivals.

3/ RelaxingAmongsttheRhododendrons

PerchedbetweentheDoeRiverandthesteepslopesoftheAppalachians,RoanMountainBedandBreakfastisanidyllicgetaway.

ManagedbyAnnCampbell,RobertMorganandtheirfamilies,theB&Bsitson120acresinRoanMountainneartheNorthCarolinaHighCountry.It’sbeenintheMorganfamilyformorethanacenturyanddatesbacktoWorldWarII.

Guestscanhike10milesoftheAppalachianTrailbetweenCarver’sGapandHumpMountainorenjoyantique

Short Rows

www.tnhomeandfarm.com/tn-tomato-festivals


TNFARMFRESH

TNFARMFRESH

Where the red Fruits growInthebeautifulmountainsofUnicoiCounty,youcanfindabountyof

freshstrawberries,tomatoesandmoreatScottStrawberryandTomatoFarms.TheScottshavebeensellingtheirproducetothepublicsince1959,whenWayneandMaryLouScottmovedtothefarminUnicoi.Theyraisedfivechildrenonthatfarm,twoofwhomarestillfull-timefarmerstoday.BrothersSteveandDavidhavedegreesinhorticultureandagriculture,respectively,andusetheirexperienceandeducationtoworkhardandmaintainthelevelofstandardsthattheirparentssetforthemyearsago.

Needlesstosay,farminghasnotonlybeenjustajobbutawayoflifefortheScottfamily.Evenwiththechangesanddemandsaffectingfarming,there’sanoptimisticdrivethatfarmersshare.“Whenfarming,youmakealivingandenjoywhatyouaredoingatthesametime,”SteveScottsays.“Evenwithallthechanges,Istillenjoyfarming.”

TheScottstakeprideintheirlivelihoodandstrivetoofferhighquality,freshandsafeproductsforconsumers.Strawberriesarethefirstmajorcropoftheyear,beginninginMayandtypicallylastinguntilmid-June.TheScottsselltheirstrawberriesstraightfromthefarmandthroughoutEastTennessee.YoucanfindtheirberriesatlocalFoodCitystoresandroadsidestandsinKnoxville,Greeneville,Morristown,Elizabethton,Unicoi,JohnsonCityandBristol.

Tomatoseasonfollowsbeginninginmid-July,withvine-ripened’matersavailabletothepublicinadditiontowhattheyshipnationwide.TheScottsalsoraisesweetcornandgreenbeansthat,aswiththetomatoes,areavailablesteadilythroughearlyfalloruntilthefirstfrost.

Weatherwilling,thisJulyshouldseetheinauguralharvestofthefarm’sScottUnakaMountainBlueberries.

IfyouwouldliketoenjoytheseTennesseeFarmFreshproductsfromtheScotts,visitwww.scottfarmstn.comorcall(423)743-4511tolearnabouttheircrops,marketlocationsandmore.

– Tiffany Howard

shopsandrestaurantsinnearbyElizabethton,zip-liningatSevenDevils,andboatrentalsatWataugaLake.

The65thannualRhododendronFestivalisJune18-19,heldduringthepeakofrhododendronbloom.

TolearnmoreabouttheRoanMountainBedandBreakfast,visitwww.roanmtbb.com.

4/ Don’tWasteYourEnergyThereiswastedenergyinevery

Tennessean’shome,andtheTennesseeValleyAuthorityisofferingafreeonlineaudittohelpitscustomersfindandreducethosewastedkilowatts.

Customerswhocompletetheonlineauditorscheduleanin-homeauditwithaTVA-certifiedevaluatorwillreceiveanenergyconservationkit,whichincludestwocompactfluorescentlightbulbs,twofaucetaeratorsandahotwatertemperaturegauge.

Theonlineauditwillaskcustomerstodescribetheirhouseincludingthenumberofrooms,levels,andtypesofheatingandcoolingsystemsinstalled.

Tostartafreeonlineaudit,visittheTVAwebsiteatwww.energyright.com.Thissitealsoprovidesresourcessuchasanenergycalculatortocomputeahome’sactualenergyuseandcost.

5/ GreenYourThumbGardenerscanasktheirtoughplant

questionsandtourtheUTGardensinJacksonattheannualUniversityofTennesseeSummerCelebrationLawnandGardenShowonJuly14.

Theall-dayeventheldattheWestTennesseeAgResearchandEducationCenterbeginsat10a.m.andfeaturesworkshopsbyregionalgardeners, avarietyofplantsondisplayandhomegrownrecipeideas.GuestscanalsopurchaseplantsthatthriveinWestTennesseeattheplantsale.

Admissionis$5.Formoredetails,visittnhomeandfarm.com/green-your-thumborcall(731)424-1643.

www.scottfarmstn.com

www.tnhomeandfarm.com/green-your-thumb

The

BECOME A FiRESiDE CHEF WiTH LESSONS FROM JOHNNY Nix

c ooking over a campfire is a lost art, but it isn’t rocket science – at least according to Johnny nix, who’s drawn hundreds to his

fireside with this signature invitation: “Y’all eat yet?”

The folksy Alabama native shares his knowledge of cooking the cowboy way on his newly launched Tv show, Cookin’ Outdoors With Johnny Nix, which airs on the Blue highways cable network each week.

campfiRe cafénix is already known to people all over the

country as the host of Campfire Café, a one-of-a-kind cooking show that aired on the rFD network between 2001 and 2006. Avid riders and campers, nix and his wife, Wanda, had been perfecting their open-fire cooking skills for some 25 years. Their move into television came about when they met the producer of a show at a trail ride in missouri.

“She [the producer] parked us up with

some people she thought we’d become friends with at the ride,” nix recalls. “So we got to cooking and having everybody over to eat supper with us. one night we cooked for over 200 people. Everybody loved it. Finally we just ran out of food and had to shut the kitchen down about midnight.”

The encounter led to a pilot episode, and Campfire Café was born. From scenic locations in state parks to a backyard series filmed at the producer’s home, nix guided viewers through the process of cooking everything from beans and biscuits to bacon-wrapped spinach-stuffed turkey breast – all over an open fire.

he even did a series featuring country music stars, among them mark Chesnutt, Aaron Tippin, The Kentucky headhunters, Joe Diffie and ray Price. “We had a blast with all the country music artists,” nix says. “To think, the legendary ray Price came on my show and cooked with me.”

Campfire Café was the top show on rFD during its run. And although it went off the

STORYBYCAROL COWANPHOTOGRAPHYBYANTONY BOSHiER

Food

Culinary

win a signed cookbook

JohnnyNixisgivingawayasignededitionofhiscookbook,All Time Favorite Recipes,tooneofouremailsubscribers.Signupforourfree,monthlye-newsletterattnhomeandfarm.comforachancetowin.

JohnnyNixteacheshomecookshoweasyitistoprepareagourmetmealoverthecampfire.


air in 2006, nix still gets recognized wherever he goes.

top chef: cowboy editionnix has never stopped sharing his passion

for cowboy cooking, and he remains busy conducting demonstrations across the country.

“I’ve had the privilege around the campfire to cook with some great chefs,” he says. “In Colorado, I cooked with the galloping gourmet, graham Kerr. We did a family reunion down in Florida for mr. Art Smith, who was oprah Winfrey’s personal chef. he had chefs from Chicago, new York and other places come in; everybody had their own specialty foods that they were cooking. he had linen and china and crystal delivered down there in a cow pasture, and we cooked over a fire for these people.”

essential equipment“one of the big events we do every year is the

national Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg, Tenn., where the Lodge factory is,” nix continues, referring to the Lodge manufacturing Co., whose cast iron Dutch ovens and skillets figure prominently in Johnny’s demos and Tv shows. In fact, the Lodge skillet and camp Dutch oven top his list of essential equipment.

With the right cookware, open-fire cooking is easier than you might think, nix says. “The main thing is just to relax, enjoy your meal, and when you’re picking dishes to cook

outside, keep it simple. our cookbook is great because we have a lot of real simple, one-pot dishes that are easy to throw together.”

Because there are no temperature control knobs on a fire, beginners are easily intimidated, nix notes. But his cooking setups allow people to use different length hooks to set their dishes over the fire at varying temperatures.

“I make all the cook sets by hand myself,” he says. “The hooks are different lengths, for the different temperatures, and I make the pit itself. We make the swing grills, the warming trays and all that. I want people to have a good experience when they’re cooking – ’cause cookin’s fun.”

recipes & resourcesJohnny Nix’s cookbook All Time Favorite Recipes

features close to 100 dishes readers can cook outdoors. It also offers tips on building a fire, estimating temperature, baking in cast iron and adapting Nix’s methods for use with charcoal.His two-hour DVD Cookin’ With Wood takes the

process a step further and actually shows viewers how to build a fire pit, choose the right wood, set up the equipment and cook everything from coffee to pork chops and cornbread casserole.The cookbook, DVD, campfire cooking set and

cookware are available at www.yalleatyet.com. For a chance to win a cookbook, sign up for our e-newsletter at tnhomeandfarm.com.

Nixcraftsrecipesmadeforanopenfire,suchasstuffedpeppers,Tuscanroastedchickenandacrescentappletart.Thecowboychefalsousesavarietyofequipment,suchasahooksandswinggrills,tocookdishesatthepreciselytherighttemperature.

Food

cowboy peach cobbler

“Thepeachcobblerisoneofourmosthighlyrecognizeddishes,andalotofpeopleasktohaveusdoitbecauseit’sarealsimplerecipeandit’sreallyhardtomessup,”Nixsays.“Allyoudoistaketwolargecansofpeaches,dumptheminthepot,sprinklesomecinnamonontopofthepeaches,andthendumpacakemixontopofit.Thenpourastickofmeltedbutterontopofthecakemixandjustletitboil.Onceitboils,itmixesthecakemixintothepeaches.Thenyoujustputtopcoalsontopofthelidandletitbrown.Onceit’sbrowned,it’sdone.Ittakesabout45minutes.”


Travel


Bonnie BlueMCMiNNViLLE B&B GiVES GUESTS A TASTE OF

THE FARM THROUGH iTS CANNERY SiDE BUSiNESS

When rebecca merritt opened her mcminnville bed-and-breakfast in 2005, she wanted to give guests something to take home,

something that would help them remember their visit to the Bonnie Blue Inn. She found her inspiration on the family farm.

“Fresh produce is a byproduct of our nursery business,” merritt explains. “I really just started canning to have something special to give my guests.”

A former university of Tennessee Extension agent, merritt has now created her own line of jams, jellies, fruit butters and relishes. She freezes the fruits as they ripen, then sets aside one Friday each month for canning. The Bonnie Blue Cannery is licensed, and its products have been designated a Pick Tennessee product by the Department of Agriculture.

Every guest receives a jar of something tasty as a gift when they check out and head home. It’s a homegrown, homemade gift that is a true reflection of the Bonnie Blue and its

owners. “We grow most of what we use in the cannery,” merritt says. “It’s not a major part of our business right now, but we’re hoping it continues to grow.”

While the interest in her canning business has been a little unexpected, merritt says she has dreamed of running her own bed-and-breakfast for years. When husband Brett purchased a neighboring farm to expand his nursery business in 2003, she finally got her opportunity.

“When we bought the farm where the house sits, I immediately started trying to convince my husband that we should open a B&B,” she says. “I pictured the house just like it is today.”

What’s now known as the Bonnie Blue Inn was then just a rundown early 19th-century farmhouse with no plumbing, an outhouse and an active beehive humming away in the walls. “We don’t know the exact date the house was built, but we have found records where someone sold it in 1908,” merritt notes. “We tried to keep as much original as

STORYBYCASSANDRA M. VANHOOSERPHOTOGRAPHYBYANTONY BOSHiER

Jam sessionRebeccaMerrittshows

howtomakeblueberryjamtoppinginavideoattnhomeandfarm.com.

see video online

Sweet on the

RebeccaMerrittrunsBonnieBlueInninMcMinnville,whichincludesatearoomandcannery.


www.fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/tn


possible, but it needed a lot of repair.”opened in 2005, the house has been

updated but retains its charm and character. outside, there’s a tin roof, lazy porch with rocking chairs and wide green lawn. Inside, the Bonnie Blue is at once both modern and old-fashioned. hardwood floors run throughout and fresh colors don the walls, but antiques and farm “finds” make up the décor.

remarkably, merritt has resisted the urge to fill every nook and cranny with keepsakes, giving the inn a clean, welcoming feel. “We tried to keep the feel of 100 years ago, but we have all the modern conveniences,” she says. “We don’t live in the house, so it is very private. We’re not far away, but our guests really have the place to themselves.”

The inn only has two guest rooms: the rose room downstairs and the Esposita Suite above. Both boast queen beds and private baths, but the suite claims a daybed with trundle that’s perfect for families. room rates include a decadent homemade dessert in the evening and a full breakfast in the morning, with both sweet and savory options.

Still, overnight guests make up only a portion of the Bonnie Blue’s business. merritt’s culinary skill is well known, making the inn a favored spot for staging events, from bridesmaids’ luncheons to corporate meetings. The dining room becomes a restaurant called the Tea room from spring through Christmas and is open to the public for lunch Tuesday through Thursday. She even delivers lunch in mcminnville on those days.

Whatever the occasion, merritt prides herself on offering only the best homemade foods. her “special ingredient” chicken salad tops the list of favorites at the Tea room, but the reuben runs a close second. Specials range from quiche and stuffed pasta shells to shepherd’s pie and sloppy joes.

“my favorite thing on the menu is the ‘special’ because I don’t cook on Thursday nights,” merritt admits with a laugh. “Whatever is leftover, that’s what I serve my own family. The ‘special’ is something a little heartier. I try to do something men would like.”

merritt caters locally but also hosts her own special events throughout the year. For valentine’s, she serves dinner to eight lucky couples, with tables spread throughout the

Can You Can?there’s a renewed interest in the old-fashioned art of home canning

these days, Rebecca merritt says. while she doesn’t allow guests to observe her canning process, she suggests contacting your local ut extension office for guidance and free materials on how to get started.merritt also sends out a quarterly email that includes musings and

news, as well as favorite recipes. guests are so sweet on the blueberry topping she serves at the inn that she agreed to share her recipe and canning instructions.

blueberry Jam topping½ cup sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup water

4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and water, until smooth. Add blueberries. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. remove from the heat. topping may be processed in sterilized jars for 6 minutes.

if you go:ContactBonnieBlue

Innat(931)815-3838orwww.bonnieblueinn.com.Ratesare$90-$100pernight.TheTeaRoomisopen11a.m.-2p.m.,Tuesday-Thursday,fromMarchtoDecember.Jams,jelliesandothercannedgoodsareavailableattheinnorbymailorder.

Travel

house to guarantee privacy. A grandmother’s Tea Party highlights the spring, and there’s a luncheon the Saturday before mother’s Day. Especially popular is the Santa Tea Party, a treat for the younger set.

no matter what brings guests to the Bonnie Blue Inn, merritt hopes they feel at home. “Some days we’re bustling, and some days it’s quiet around here,’ she says. “But I like for people to be able to relax and enjoy the feel of the place. To me, that’s the most important thing.”


STORYBYJESSiCA WALKERPHOTOGRAPHYBYJEFF ADKiNS

Tennessee Living

When Dean Wyatt retired from the work force, he was hoping to find something to occupy his newly acquired free time. he

found himself 15 pounds heavier – and bored – just one month into his retirement. “I had to have something to do to get me out of the house and away from the air conditioning and the television,” Wyatt says.

After working with his hands for most of his life – building cabinets and furniture, sub-contracting, and performing other hands-on jobs – he found his way back to a former passion: creating woodcarvings.

“I’ve been making them off and on all my life,” Wyatt says, “but I really got into it when I retired.”

now in his seventies, he uses poplar and red cedar wood with a little glue to create a variety of objects, including tractors, bulldozers, motorcycles, helicopters, pickup trucks and lawnmowers – and that’s just the short list. “If I see something I want to build, I try to build it,” Wyatt says.

When he spots something he wants to recreate, he takes a picture of the item and measures it. Then, he goes home to his shop and begins to fashion a new creation.

While he’s willing to take on just about any challenge when it comes to carving and building, he does admit the process – taking anywhere from 40 to 200 hours – can be pretty time consuming. “It depends on the complexity of the toy you’re building,” Wyatt says. “most of my stuff is very detailed.”

But he’s in no hurry; Wyatt’s creations are not for sale. And don’t even think about making a request. he makes what he wants to make, when he wants to make it – and then gives it away. “I’m retired,” he says. “There’s no pressure; I can work at my leisure.”

That’s right – Wyatt is committed to being truly retired, refusing to turn his hobby into a business. “I’d rather just build something and give it to someone,” he says.

So, receiving them as gifts, a lucky few can call Wyatt’s creations their own. “I also build wooden vases and bowls and give them away at Christmas,” he adds.

In fact, Wyatt donates much of his work. he gave the Dover Library a fire truck, complete with extending ladders, in memory of his late friend Edward Smith, who chaired the Stewart County volunteer Firefighters.

Wyatt’s inspiration comes from individuals in his community who he feels are rarely

carving artistsVisittnhomeandfarm.

com/carvingtofindmoreofTennessee’scarvingartists,suchasRogerSmith,whocarvescreationsoutofpeachseedsinCulleoka,andH.DeeMoss,whocarveswoodintowildlifeathisstudioatCaseyJonesVillageinJackson.

carving His Niche

RETiREE USES WOODWORKiNG HOBBY TO SHOW APPRECiATiON

www.tnhomeandfarm.com/carving


recognized for their good work, such as those serving in the Stewart County EmS or the local sheriff’s office. “They are constantly on the go,” he says. “I want them to know there is somebody in the world that does appreciate them.”

Even when he’s not carving and crafting, Wyatt can typically be found working with his hands. “I quit hunting and fishing years ago, and I’m not too much into sports,” he says. Instead, he spends time doing yard work and renovating his home.

Though his work is in high demand in his community, don’t expect Wyatt to change his mind any time soon. he has no plans to put his hand-carved creations up for sale. “If I started selling, I’d be back to working,” he laughs. “I just want to keep it as a relaxing hobby.”

For now, Wyatt simply intends to continue enjoying his retirement – with a little carving, building and designing, of course. “It keeps my mind working and active,” he says. “To me, that’s special at my age.”


Home & Garden


School’s out for summer, and even though those of us who are parents are thrilled to have more time to spend with our kids, some of us are

less than excited about the disaster zones we know their rooms will quickly become.

Franklin-based home organization expert Liz Jenkins says it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right setup, your child’s room can provide hours of happy, focused play and stay neat and orderly during summer break and all year long.

“There are three key components to a well-organized child’s room,” Jenkins says. “Kids need an empty area in which to play, a surface to do things on, and creative and accessible storage.”

Let’s face it: Kids are not naturally inclined to put things away. But when they are not overwhelmed with too much stuff and the toys they do play with have a clearly designated “home,” tidying up is no big deal.

what to doStart by observing your child at play and

asking directly, Jenkins says. What does he or she actually play with? What does he or she like to do? What items are precious to your child, and what items get ignored?

Take inventory of everything in your child’s room and purge all the unwanted,

unused, broken and age-inappropriate items. rather than asking if your child wants to get rid of a particular item, Jenkins recommends asking, “Do you want this to go to Cousin mary (for example) or donate it to the church nursery, thrift store, etc.?”

Set up play zones, and keep things where they are used. For example, if your child loves to do arts and crafts, set up an art zone and store the paper, markers and related items in open bins near the desk or easel.

stoRage solutionsuse wall cubbies, open bins, under-bed

storage containers, stacking trays, shelves and wall hooks to keep like items together. Pop-up laundry hampers make great containers for stuffed animals and balls.

Storage containers are useless if your child can’t reach them. make sure shelves, bins and cubbies are on their level.

Labels help kids remember where things go, especially when they get to do the labeling. Photos, clip art and drawings work for non-readers, and kids who can read get a big kick out of using a label-maker.

When organizing your child’s room, Jenkins says, keep in mind that it should be a space where kids can find what they want, have an appropriate place to use it, and be able to put it back by themselves.

STORYBYCAROL COWANPHOTOGRAPHYBYBRiAN McCORD & JEFFREY S. OTTO

clutter-free in tennessee

Manyofusdon’thavekidsandstillhavetroublestayingorganized.MaryPankiewicz,whorunsClutter-Free&OrganizedinupperEastTennessee,offerssomesagewordsofadvice:“Ifyoucanweedyourgarden,youcandeclutteryourhome.”GetmoretipsfromPankiewiczatwww.clutterfree.biz.

FormoreofLizJenkins’lessonsonhomeorganization,visitwww.afreshspace.comorfollowherattwitter.com/afreshspace.

EverythingA Place for

LEARN EASY AND FUN WAYS TO ORGANizE KiDS’ ROOMS

www.twitter.com/afreshspace

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Foramorecompletelistofbenefits,visitwww.tnfarmbureau.org/memberbenefitsorvisittheTNFarmBureauMemberBenefitsFacebookpage.Byvisitingourpageyouwillbeabletostayinformedonnewbenefits,hearwhatothermembershavetosayabouttheseproductsandservices,andwillbeeligibleforgive-a-waysfromouraffiliatepartners.PrizeswillincludeChoiceHotelsvouchers,Enterprisecarrentals,FarmBureauapparelandmuchmore.BeenhesitanttojointheworldofFacebook?Thereisnobettertimethannow!

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(800)598-9662Free fire, burglary and medical emergency system. No installation charge.

$950value. Waterleakprotectionalsoavailable.Saveupto20%onyourhomeowner’spremium.Lowermonitoringratesthancompetition.Availablestatewide.

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*36-month monitoring agreement required at $31.99 per month ($1,151.64). $99 customer installation charge. Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may apply. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new customers only. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. PowerLink, LLC TN. Cert. #C-0332.

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Refinance your automobile loan and save! • Saveupto$1,365ininterest ona60-monthvehicleloan**

• SpecialFarmBureau memberrates*

• Upto100%financing

• Call(866)645-8123orvisit farmbureaubank.com/tfbf toapplytoday

*Available to new HughesNet subscribers only. Offers subject to change without notice.

**HughesNet is available anywhere in the contiguous US with a clear view of the southern sky. Service and hardware sold separately. 24-month commitment required. Early termination fees apply. Visit legal.HughesNet.com for details. Minimum term required. Monthly service and termination fees apply. Usage is subject to a Fair Access Policy. Actual speeds may vary. Speed and uninterrupted use of service are not guaranteed. Visit www.legal.HughesNet.com for details.

***Extra rebate offer not available to customers who qualify for the recovery act.

****Wireless router available to customers after 30 days of active service.

©2011 Hughes Network Systems, LLC. HughesNet is a registered trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.

Foramorecompletelistofbenefits,visitwww.tnfarmbureau.org/memberbenefitsorvisittheTNFarmBureauMemberBenefitsFacebookpage.Byvisitingourpageyouwillbeabletostayinformedonnewbenefits,hearwhatothermembershavetosayabouttheseproductsandservices,andwillbeeligibleforgive-a-waysfromouraffiliatepartners.PrizeswillincludeChoiceHotelsvouchers,Enterprisecarrentals,FarmBureauapparelandmuchmore.BeenhesitanttojointheworldofFacebook?Thereisnobettertimethannow!

Looking for information on these benefits?

Toll-Free:(877)363-9100

Visitusonlineatwww.tnfarmbureau.org/memberbenefits

Haven’t visited our Facebook page? Scan this QR barcode to visit our page now! *Offers subject to change without notice.

High-Speed Satellite Internet•Availableeverywheretoday

•Packagesstartingaslow as$39.95

TNFarmBureaumembersreceive:

•$50rebateoffofbest availableHughesNetoffer

•PlusaFREEwirelessrouter– $49.99value****

•Call(877)636-2681

HughesNet

Pinpoint Plus Security

Farm Bureau Bank Auto Loan

RefinancingIdentity Theft Restoration

& Consultation Services

ADT Security

• Includedwithyour TennesseeFarm Bureaumembership

• Consultationand restorationservices

• Ifyouhavebeenavictim ofIDtheft,call(877)329-3911

*Some restrictions apply based on the make and model of vehicle offered as collateral. Loans are subject to credit approval. Rates and financing options are limited to certain model years and are subject to change without notice. Finance charges accrue from origination date of the loan. **Savings comparison based on a financed 60-month new vehicle loan as of June 24, 2010. Rates are subject to change without notice. To qualify for Farm Bureau Bank’s lowest loan annual percentage rates, members must have excellent credit and sign up for automatic payments. Additional discounts also apply when purchasing one or more vehicle protection plans. National average for 60-month new auto loans is 6.92% APR as quoted by Bankrate.com. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau Bank, FSB is a service to member institution that provides banking services to Farm Bureau members. Services are not available in AL, IL, MI, MO, MS, OH or WY and may not be available in some counties or parishes. Farm Bureau, FB and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used under license by FB BanCorp and its subsidiaries, including Farm Bureau Bank FSB. FB BanCorp is an independent entity and the AFBF does not own, is not owned by, and is not under common ownership with FB BanCorp or its affiliated entities.

(800)598-9662Free fire, burglary and medical emergency system. No installation charge.

$950value. Waterleakprotectionalsoavailable.Saveupto20%onyourhomeowner’spremium.Lowermonitoringratesthancompetition.Availablestatewide.

*36 month monitoring agreement required at $29.95 per month ($1078.20). Additional charges for water system installation and monitoring. Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may apply. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new customers only. Other rate plans available. Pinpoint Plus, LLC is NOT affiliated with ADT Security Services. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Pinpoint Plus, LLC Tn. Cert. #. C-0332

*36-month monitoring agreement required at $31.99 per month ($1,151.64). $99 customer installation charge. Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may apply. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new customers only. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. PowerLink, LLC TN. Cert. #C-0332.

FREEsecuritysystem

$850valuePlushomeownersinsurancesavingsandsavingsonmonthlymonitoring.Availableonlybycalling:

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Taste of Tennessee

FARMERS MARKETS AND ROADSiDE STANDS OFFER A BOUNTY OF FARM-FRESH SUMMER iNGREDiENTS


Enjoy the freshness of your local farmers’ fare with a few of these surprisingly easy treats. Shopping locally and directly from your

farmer is becoming easier than ever. Farmers markets, roadside stands and Community Supported Agriculture programs (CSAs) present an easy way to partake in the trend, and crowds are flocking to take advantage of the bounty that the market scene offers.

In honor of summer and all the homegrown goodies it brings, we’ve compiled a list of recipes perfect for the health-conscious, the serious foodie or just the casual cook. It’s an easy – and delicious – way to support your local farmers. of course, these recipes may also be enjoyed any time of the year with a trip to your neighborhood grocery store.

give the traditional salad a new spin by trading lettuce for freshly picked zucchini. Zucchini, Corn and Tomato Salad flavored with a sweet lemon vinaigrette is a healthy addition to any summer meal.

gazpacho, a chilled soup, makes a tasty lunch or flavorful start to supper. Simply throw together your market favorites such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions and garlic, blend in your food processor, and chill overnight for a refreshing summer soup.

Finally, put those eggplants to use with our take on the classic eggplant Parmesan, in which the purple veggie is just one of many layers, along with mozzarella cheese, pesto and marinara sauce. Combine these Eggplant, mozzarella and Pesto gratins with garlic bread and a salad, and you have a full Italian meal.

STORYBYKAREN SCHWARTzMANPHOTOGRAPHYBYBRiAN McCORD & JEFFREY S. OTTOFOODSTYLINGBYKRiSTEN WiNSTON CATERiNG

Food

TNFARMFRESH

TNFARMFRESH

find a farmerLookingforfarm-fresh

fruitsandvegetables?Findafarmeronlineatwww.tnfarmfresh.com.

Taste of Tennessee


check out our marinara recipe online at

tnhomeandfarm.com/marinara.

¼ cup + 6 tablespoons olive oil

1 18-ounce eggplant, sliced into eight ½-inch-thick slices

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 extra large egg

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

¼ cup + 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

unsalted butter

½ cup pesto sauce

1 cup marinara sauce (can use store-bought marinara or see our recipe online)

2 8-ounce balls buffalo milk mozzarella cheese, each cut into six ¼-inch thick slices

Combine the flour, salt and pepper on a dinner plate. Beat the egg with 1 teaspoon water on a second plate. mix the breadcrumbs with ¼ cup Parmesan on a third plate. Dredge the eggplant on both sides in the flour mixture, then dip both sides into the egg mixture and roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to coat.

heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan, and cook the breaded eggplant on medium-low for about 3 minutes on each side, until just cooked through. Don’t crowd the pan. Add more butter and oil, and cook the rest of the eggplant. Allow eggplant to drain on paper towel.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place four slices of eggplant on baking sheet. Top each with ¼ cup marinara, three slices mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon pesto and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Top with remaining eggplant slices. Bake until heated through, about 8 minutes. Serve hot.

eggplant, mozzarella and pesto gratins


Zucchini, corn and tomato salad1½ pounds zucchini

1¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup fresh corn kernels (cut from 2 ears)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon sugar

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

8 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise

¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Working with one zucchini at a time, cut lengthwise into very thin (julienne) strips with slicer, turning zucchini and avoiding core. Discard core.

Toss zucchini strips with 1 teaspoon salt and let drain in a colander set over a bowl, covered and chilled, for 1 hour.

gently squeeze handfuls of zucchini to remove excess water and pat dry with paper towels.

Cook corn in a small saucepan of boiling water until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain, then rinse under cold water and pat dry.

Whisk together lemon juice, sugar, pepper, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt in a large bowl, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking. Add zucchini, corn, tomatoes and basil; toss well.

gazpacho48 ounces tomato juice

1 teaspoon garlic, minced3/4 cup red onion, chopped

2 english cucumbers, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 yellow pepper, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

3 pounds fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped

3½ teaspoons kosher salt

4 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Combine ingredients in a large food processor or blender, and pulse to desired consistency. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer it chills, the more flavorful it will be.

no zucchini? any summer squash will work in this recipe.

try the crookneck or straightneck varieties of yellow squash.


DiscoverourtwistonaSouthernsummerstaple,stuffedpeppers.Insteadofusingthetraditionalbeefandrice,ourMediterraneanStuffedPepperscallforafillingoflambandcouscous.Findalinktotherecipeattnhomeandfarm.com/farmers-market-recipes.

SEE MORE ONLiNE

www.tnhomeandfarm.com/farmers-market-recipes

www.fbitn.com


Pretty in PinkstRawbeRRy cake is a faRmeRs maRket specialty

strawberry sheet cakestrawberry cake:2 cups self-rising flour

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 cup canola oil

1 cup milk

¼ cup mashed sweetened strawberries

1 small box dry strawberry jello

mix all ingredients and pour into greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

icing:½ stick softened margarine

3 to 4 cups powdered sugar

¼ cup mashed sweetened strawberries

mix all until smooth – may need to add more powdered sugar or strawberries for a spreading consistency. mix well first before you add extra sugar or strawberries.

Store in refrigerator.

K arenNorton,aMt.Pleasantbakerandcaterer,readscookbookslikemostpeoplereadnewspapersandmagazines.

HermostpopularcakeisacoolandrefreshingStrawberrySheetCakethathersister-in-law,FayeHallmark,clippedoutofamagazineornewspaperaround20yearsago.

“Sheislikemeandcollects(recipes),”Nortonsays.

MembersofNorton’sfamilyspendtimealmostdailycookinguptried-and-truerecipessuchasthestrawberrycake,avarietyofcupcakesandmuffins,andauniquetakeonchickensaladatthefamily’sgrowingbusiness,FamilyBakeryandCateringinMt.Pleasant,whichdoesspecialordersfordeliveryorpick-upatthefarm.

NortonoriginallybegansellingherculinarycreationsaftersheandherhusbandboughtafarminMauryCounty.In2001,shesetupshopattheFranklinFarmersMarketatTheFactory,offeringvegetablesgrownonthefarmaswellasbakedgoodssuchaszucchinibread.Asthenumberofcropsgrew,sodidtheirmenagerieoftreats–includingthestrawberrycake.

Fouryearslater,Nortonstartedthebakeryandcateringservice,whichgaveheranotheroutlettoexperimentwithdessertconcoctions.

“Mymotherneverwentbyarecipewhenshemadeacake,”shesays.“Ilikeputtingsomethingtogetherandnotknowingtheoutcome.”

Norton’spopularStrawberrySheetCakeisn’tadessertthatneedsmuchtweakingnowadays.Itisprettymuchthesameasit’sbeenfortwodecades,exceptthepinkcakeisnowalsobakedincupcakeformasaspecialtreatmoreappealingtochildren.

Thecakeisoneofherstaplesatthefarmersmarket.Nortonsaysshealwayssellsoutwhenthestrawberrycupcakesareputoutinthedisplaycase.

Thisrecipeisasymbolofspring,shesays,butthepinkcakewithpinkfrostingisafanfavoriteanytimeoftheyear.Thecolddessertwithflecksofstrawberryisatitsbestthelongeritisrefrigerated. – Erin Edgemon

hungry for more?Eachissueof

Tennessee Home & FarmhighlightsrecipeslikethosefeaturedinCountry Classics Volume II.Copiesofthecookbookareavailablefor$17each,includingshippingandhandling,fromcountyFarmBureauoffices,orbycallingtheTennesseeFarmBureauhomeofficeat(931)388-7872,ext.2217.

Country Classics

Jeff

rey

S. O

tto

www.greenpowerswitch.com


the dish on the catfish hotel

Ineachissue,wefeatureoneofTennessee’stastyeateries,andyoucanfindacollectionofourfavoriterestaurantsintheFoodsectionoftnhomeandfarm.com.Asalways,pleasecallaheadbeforetravelinglongdistances.

Hagy’sCatfishHotel,locatedat1140HagyLanenearShilohNationalMilitaryPark,isopen11a.m.-9p.m.Tuesday-Sunday(until10p.m.FridayandSaturday),andclosedMondays(exceptLaborDayandMemorialDay).Youcanreachthemat(731)689-3327orwww.catfishhotel.com.

What a Catchthe catfish hotel in shiloh tReats patRons like family

Culinaryartistryassumesmanyforms,fromavant-gardemolecularwizardrytothecenturies-oldfarm-tablecuisines

ofItalyandFrance.Butwhetherit’strendyoreternal,onethingholdstrueofallfinecraftsmanshipoftheediblevariety:love.Ifamealtastesdeliciousandauthentic,youcanbetthatsomebodyinthekitchenlovesthefoodtheyprepareandthepeoplewhomitnourishes.

AttheCatfishHotelinShiloh,thetraditionoflovinglypreparedwholecatfishhasn’tchangedmuchsinceownerJimHagy’sgrandfathercookedmealsforhisfishingbuddiesinarough-hewnshackonthebanksoftheTennesseeRiver.Hagysayshisgranddadtaughthimhissimpleand(somewouldsay)perfectmethodfordressingandfryingwholefiddlercatfish.“There’snowrittenrecipe,”hesays.

Hagy’sfamilyhasownedthisriversidetravelers’havensincebeforetheCivilWar,whenriverboatspliedtheTennesseeandusedthatlogshackasastorehouse.Inthe1930s,theHagys’legendaryhospitalitypromptedthen-governorGordonBrowningtosuggestthatthefamilyopenacatfishrestaurantthere,soimpressedwashebyacatfish-fryfundraiserthey’dhostedinhishonor.

Sincethen,theCatfishHotelhascometoembody“familyrestaurant”inthebroadestsense.JimHagyfondlyrecallsgenerationsofHagyspitchingintofryupmountainsofhushpuppiesonanearlymorning.Andthebuildingitselfwasaconstantworkinprogress,asadhocadditionsrosefromtheoriginalshack.“Itwasthismonstrosity,acrazyfunplace,”hesays.

Therestaurantwasrebuiltafterafirein1975,andJimHagynowlivesinNashville.ButhesaystherestaurantstillconnectstheHagydescendantsandoffersthemanextendedfamilythattranscendsbloodrelation.ManagerBarbaraMcAfee,a31-yearCatfishHotel

Restaurant Review

veteran,nurturestheplaceasherownwithhelpfromherfamily.AndgenerationsofregularshavefoundtheirwaytothesetablesoverlookingtheTennesseeRivertoenjoyHagyfamilyrecipes,oldandnew.

Fromthetraditionalspread–all-you-can-eatwholecatfish,hushpuppies,Frenchfriesandcoleslawwithhomemadedressingladledon–tonewermenuitems,suchaslemon-pepperbroiledcatfishandbarbecuedribs,eachreciperepresentsaHagy’screativeenergies…notleastofwhichincludesJimHagy’sgrandmother’slemonrubpie,hismother’sGermanchocolatepieandhissisters’whitechocolatebananacreampie.

ForHagyandtherestoftheCatfishHotelfamily,feedingfolksdelicious,traditionalfareisanexpressionofcaringforthetravelerswho’vejourneyedhere.“It’slikehavingpeopleinyourhome,”Hagysays.“Youjustwantittobegood.” – Kim Green

Ph

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about the authorDr.SueHamiltonis

DirectoroftheUniversityofTennesseeGardens.ThegardensareaprojectoftheUniversityofTennesseeAgResearchprogram,withlocationsinKnoxvilleandJackson:http://utgardens.tennessee.edu.

Gardening

moles and voles in the garden, oh my! leaRn the diffeRence between and how to combat these lawn- and gaRden-destRoying cRitteRs

Thesemouse-likecritterscanwreakhavoconyourlawnandgarden,butcontroldependsuponwhichyouhave.

Sohowdoyouknowifyou’refightingmolesorvoles?Thoughsimilarinhabitandsize,molesandvolesarereallyverydifferent.Theyhavecompletelydifferentdiets,andtheycausedifferenttypesofdamageinyourlandscape.

volesVolesarerodents.Theyarecommonlycalled

mice,meadowmiceorfieldmice.Theyareabout3incheslong,weigh1ounceorlessandhavereddish-brownfur,ashorthalf-inchtail,tinyearsandeyesthatarenotvisible.Ofthe23speciesofvolesintheUnitedStates,thepinevole,theprairievoleandthemeadowvolearethemostcommonforourregion.

Meadowvoles(foundinEastTennessee)andprairievoles(MiddleandWestTennessee)mostlyliveaboveground.Theyliveinandfeedongrasses,althoughtheycanchewsaplingsatgroundlevel.Tallfescueinorchardsandlightlygrazedpasturesaretypicalhabitats.Theyareusuallylesstroublesomethanthepinevole,whichlovestoinfestourlandscapedgardens.

Pinevolesspendmostoftheirlivesunderthegroundinburrowsfeedingonplantroots.Youaremorelikelytoseesignsofvolesthanthevolesthemselves,butsometimesyoumayglimpseonescurryingfromoneplantingbedtoanother.Theylikelivinginmulch,leafandgrasspiles,andtallgroundcovers.Theylovetoeatrootsoflawngrass,trees,shrubs,flowerbulbsandhostas.Whereprotectivecoverisavailable,volesmaygirdlethemainstemofplantsjustabovetheground.Onoccasiontheywilleatbark.Vegetablegardens,ornamentalplantingsandyoungtreesareallsusceptible

tovoledamage,themostobvioussignofwhichisadeadordyingplant.

Pinevolesareactivedayandnight,lookingforfoodinahomerangeofaboutaquarteracre.Theyseldomventureintoexposedplaces,insteadusingelaboratetunnelsystemsthatcreatethealltoofamiliarandunsightlyraisedridgesinyourlawn.

MolesMolesbelongtothesamefamilyasshrews

andbats.Theyhavelargepaddle-likefrontfeetwithprominentclawsdesignedforveryefficientdigging.Theyareaboutthesizeofchipmunksandcanweighanywherefrom3-6ounces.Totallengthcanbe6-8inches.Molesarecoveredbyasoftgreyfur,andvariegationincoloriscommonwithpatchesoforangeorwhite.TheEasternmoleandthegreymolearethemostcommoninTennessee.

Moleslovetoeatworms,insectgrubsandadultinsects.Molestunnelinsearchoffood,andinyourlawnandlandscapebedstheirtunnelingraisesthesoilintoridges.Molesproducetwotypesof“runways.”Onetyperunsjustbeneaththesurface.Thesearefeedingtunnelsandappearasraisedridgesrunningacrossyourlawn.Thesecondtyperunsdeeperandenablesthemolestounitethefeedingtunnelsinanetwork.Itisthesoilexcavatedfromthedeeptunnelsthathomeownersfindontheirlawns,piledupinmoundsthatresemblelittlevolcanoes.Molescandigsurfacetunnelsatarateofabout18feetperhour,andspeedthroughexistingtunnelsat80feetperminute.

how to tell the DifferenceProperidentificationoftheseunwanted

varmintsiscriticaltocontrol.Ifyounever

http://utgarndens.tennessee.edu


comeface-to-facewiththepest,identification

mustbebasedontheirsignsandthedamage

theydoinyourlandscape.Keyindicatorsfor

molesarevolcano-likemoundsofsoil.Well-

defined,visiblerunwaysabout2incheswide,

atornearthesurfaceindicatevoles.

Prevention and Control MethodsMethodstopreventandcontroldamagefor

bothpestsarehabitatmanagement,exclusion,

repellents,trappingandpoisonbait.Fumigants

aregenerallyineffectiveduetotheexpansive

tunnelsandsurfaceholesassociatedwithvoleandmoleactivity.Removingtheirfoodsources(insects)goesalongwayinpreventingmoles.Exclusionmethodsforvolescallforwovenwireorhardwareclothfences,extending1footaboveand6inchesbelowground.Commercialrepellentsareavailableforboth,whilehome-maderepellentsrangefromammoniatoJuicyFruitgum.Trappingandpoisonarelethaltothepests;however,theymaynotentirelysolveyourproblem.Typicallyacombinationofcontrolmethodswillproducethebestresults.

more on mole and vole control

Findmoredetailedpreventionandcontrolmethodsformolesandvolesattnhomeandfarm.com/moles-voles.

Clockwise from left:Amoletunnel;dianthus,aflowerthatattractsvoles;aprairievole.

Photo Courtesy of David Reber Photo Courtesy of Michael L. Kennedy

www.tnhomeandfarm.com/moles-voles


www.mortonbuildings.com

www.ETSU.EDU/FINISH


A reyoudoingtherightthing,orareyoudoingitright?Thekeyistodoboth,becausethegrayareaiswhatmakes

thedifference.”ThismantrarunsJohnButler’slife;it’swhat

hestrivestodoonadailybasisonhisWestTennesseefarm.

Butler,hiswife,Dana,andtheirthreechildrenliveandworkonafifth-generationfamilyfarminDyerandObioncounties,wheretheyraisecattle,corn,soybeansandwheat.Butler,whotookoverthethen-primarilyrowcropoperationin1995whenhisfatherretired,addedcattlebreedinginordertoremainprofitable–andalsobecauseofhisloveofcaringforanimals.

Why did you choose to become a full-time farmer?

Whenit’s15degreesbelowzero,IhaveafeverandI’mstilloutsidetakingcareofmyanimals,Iaskmyselfthesamequestion.It’ssimple:Youeitherloveitoryoudon’t.Ihavealoveforanimalsinmycare,andalthoughitisajob–thewayItakecareofmyfamily–it’salsowhatIlove.Youspendalotoftimewiththem,in100-degreeheatorfreezingrain,understandingwhattheyneedandprovidingit,beitcleanwater,foodforextraenergyormedicalattention;butIwouldn’ttradeit.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a farmer?

Startsmall,andeaseyourwayin.Don’ttrytohitahomerunfirst;hitacoupleofsinglestogetthefeelofit.Takeeveryclassyoucan.Dealingwithlivestockisalotlikedealingwithchildren:Ifyousaytheycan’tdosomething,they’llfigureitout.It’sliketellinga4-year-old“no”–he’sgoingtofindoutforhimselfanyway,soyoujusthavetoprepareforeveryeventuality.

meet John Butlerwest tennessee Resident faRms coRn, soybeans, wheat and cattle

What do you want the non-farming public to know about what you do?

Thoseinvolvedinagriculture,especiallytheanimalside,haveaninnatesenseofcaringfortheiranimals.Yes,itisabusiness,butmanytimesthebottomlinedoesn’tmatter–IdowhateverIcantohelpthoseanimals.Idohavetomakemoneyinthelongrun,butsometimesyoujustdotherightthingandhopethingsturnaroundlater.

as a farmer, what is your biggest challenge?Tomakesurethatpeoplewhoaren’tfarming,

beitlegislatorsorsomeoneatthecornermarket,haveafeelforwhatI’mdoing.Wehavethesafest,mosteconomical,mostabundantfoodsupplyintheworld,andpeoplehaveforgottenthat.That’swhyI’minvolvedinFarmBureau,becausecommunicatingourstoryisvitalforthefutureofagriculture.Weneedtosharewitheveryonewhywedowhatwedoandhowmuchweloveandcareforallaspectsofagriculturallife. – Melissa Burniston

see more onlineReadmoreofourQ&A

withJohnButlerattnhomeandfarm.com.

Learnmoreaboutthewell-beingandcareofanimalsbyvisitingwww.conversationsoncare.com.

An

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“

Farmside Chat

www.conversationsoncare.com


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Small,red-brickranchhouse.Shortconcretedrivewayendingatone-carcarport,basketballgoalanchoredabove,

borderedbybeaten-downbarespotsoneitherside–testimonytoendlesshoursofbasketball.Today,itwouldmostlikelybeagarageinsteadofacarport,thegoalonanadjustablepoleandnottheroof,andnobarespotsbecausetheendlesshourswillhavebeeninsideonthecomputerinsteadofoutsidewiththeneighborhoodkids.Then,itwas306GibsonRoad.Today,[email protected].

Mostofuscanprobablyquicklyrecallthephysicaladdressofourchildhoodhomeevenafteralltheseyears.Themailboxmeantsomethingbackthen.LettershomefromDadonmilitarydutyorworktravel,birthdaycardsfromfamilyandfriends,andlettersfromGrandmother.Often,letterswererippedopenandreadbeforeIeverreachedthecarport.SometimesabitoftranslationmightbeneededfromMomorDadtohelpreadwordswrittenbyanagingandless-than-steadyhand.

Andnottolamentthetechnologytodaythatallowsustotalkinstantlywithsomeoneacrosstheworld,there’sstillsomethingabitspecialaboutreceivingahandwrittennoteinthemail.Itmeansalittlemore,maybe,thattheytookthatextraeffort,thatextratime.Allthelettersarefilledin–notextingshortcuts,so‘luv’islove,‘u’isyou,and‘lol’islaughoutloud.ThosekindofnotesIcandropintomykeepsakefile,towhereIoccasionallyturnandflipthroughnotesscribbledbydaughters,parents,friends;suchsentimentaljourneyshaveaknackforpushingawaythehardedgesoflife.(Okay,IknowIcanprintoutanemailortextmessageifIwishtokeepit–andIoftendo!)

Allthissaid,itcaughtourattentionatworkawhilebackwhenwereceivedahandwrittennoteinthemail.Itwasakindnote,andinsurancecompaniesaren’texactlyaccustomedtoreceivinglotsoflovelettersinthemail,beingthatweareusuallycharacterizedasvillains.Fortherecord,we

‘villains’atTRHHealthPlanstodaycovermorethan190,000FarmBureaumembersandpayoutdailyanaverageofmorethan$1millioninclaimspaymentstodoctors,hospitalsandotherproviders.

Butthisparticularnotewasathank-younotefromamember,thankingusforinsuringtheirfamilyandfor‘stayingtrueintryingtimes.’Coveredbyourhealthplanforseveralyears,theychoseus‘becauseofrateandbenefits…themostbangforourmoney.’Maybeweshouldhirethemtoguideourmarketingefforts,becausetheycapturedperfectlywhatwehavesoughttodoasaservicecompanyoftheTennesseeFarmBureau.

Wehaveallbeeninthemidstofalongdebateoveranationalhealth-carereformlaw,muchofwhichhasfocusedonthegovernment–andnotitscitizens–makingdecisionsaboutwhatshouldbecoveredandnotcoveredbycertainhealthplans.Muchofwhatwe’vedoneasacompanyinthepastyearhasbeeninresponsetoadramaticchangeinthelaw,notinresponsetowhatyouourmembershavesuggested.

Fornearly65years,TRHhasmadeavailabletomembersavarietyofhealthplans,forindividuals,forfamilies,forseniorcitizens,forsmallemployers.Todoso,ourfocushasbeenverynarrow:toofferaswideanarrayofbenefitsaspossible,forasmanymembersaspossible,atratesthatareasaffordableaspossible.Thatmeanswe’venevertriedtoofferhealthplanswithextremelyrichbenefits,becausemostofourmemberscan’taffordthat.Theywantareasonableplanthatwillalsoprotectthemifacatastrophichealthsituationoccurs.

Ittrulyisaboutthemostbangforyourbuck.Ithasalwaysbeenourbeliefthatyoushouldbefreetomakeyourownchoicesinacompetitivemarketplace.SothanksforchoosingTRHHealthPlans,or,ifyouhaven’t,comebyandseeusatyourlocalTennesseeFarmBureauoffice,callusorvisitourwebsite,orevenwriteusahandwrittennote.We’llbesuretoreadit.

meaningful messagehandwRitten thank-you notes aRe still impoRtant today

about the authorAnthonyKimbrough

isvicepresidentofmarketingandgovernmentrelationsforTRHHealthPlans.Hisemailisakimbrough@trh.com.

FormoreinformationaboutTRHHealthPlans,call(877)874-8323orvisitwww.trh.com.

To Good Health


h owdoestheTennesseeFarmBureauFederationworkforyou?Byofferingavarietyofprogramsandservices

exclusivelybenefitingyou,itsmembers.LearnaboutevenmoreFarmBureauprogramsatwww.tnfarmbureau.org.

What is Tennessee Farm Fresh?TennesseeFarmFreshisaspecialized

programincooperationwiththeTennesseeFarmBureauandtheTennesseeDepartmentofAgriculture.Thisprogramisinplacetohelpproducersmarkettheirfarmfreshproductsandtoeducateconsumersonhowtofindthem.Buyingproductsstraightfromthefarmorfarmersmarketisagrowingtrendnationwide,andthisprogram’sgoalistogivethelocalproducertheabilitytoselltheirfarmfreshproducts–includingfruits,vegetables,meats,plantsandherbs–directlytotheirneighbors.

What is the purpose of this program?Theprogramoffersproduceridentification

andconsumercommunication.Tennesseehasavarietyoflocallyproducedspecialtycropsandotheragriculturalproducts.Itisvery

importanttomaintainastrongagriculturalcommunityinTennessee.Assistingproducerswithpromotionoftheirfarmproductsandprovidingconsumerswithaconnectiontotheselocalproductsarejustafewways wecancontributetokeepingagricultureviableinTennessee.

Why should people buy locally?Buyinglocallyisbeneficialinmanyways.

Buyinglocallysupportsyourlocaleconomy,areafarmersandagriculture.Thebestbenefitofallisthatyougettoenjoythefreshestproductaround.Peopleenjoytheexperienceofcommunicatingwithfarmersandbeingeducatedabouttheproductstheyarebuyingandthefoodtheyareeating,andTennesseeFarmFreshcanassistwiththisopportunity.

How do I sign up?Ifyouareaproducerandwouldliketo

participateinTennesseeFarmFresh,signupbyvisitingwww.tnfarmfresh.comandclickingon“ForTFFProducers,”orcontactingTiffanyHowardat(931)[email protected].

The Flavor of FreshfaRm buReau pRogRam connects faRmeRs to consumeRs

Farm Bureau Almanac

see more onlineFindaTennesseeFarm

Freshfarmerinyourcounty,learnmoreabouttheprogramandseetherecipeofthemonthatwww.tnfarmfresh.com.


AsIgrowolder,Ispendmoretimereflectingonthosewhohavemadeanimpactonmylife.Mygrandfather,who

weaffectionatelyreferredtoasPap,hadamajorinfluenceonme.Papdidn’twantformanymaterialthingsinlife;infact,agoodfelthat,agoodpocketknifeandagoodpairofoverallsjustaboutcoveredhisneeds.Hedidn’tbelieveinmuchdebt,ledsingingatchurcheverySunday,nevermetastrangerandalwayshadasmile.Heneverhadalotofmoney,buthewasoneoftherichestmenIhaveknownintermsofhappiness.

Awhileback,mydadandIwerereminiscingaboutsomeofthelaughsthatwesharedwithPapandtalkingaboutthetoughtimesthatheandmygrandmother(Ma)hadenduredduringtheirmarriageofover75years.Heaskedme,“DoyourealizehowmuchPapandMaspentondoctor’svisitsandprescriptions?”Afterafewmoreminutesofconversation,Iunderstoodhowthecostofhealthcarehadsignificantlyimpactedthelivesofmygrandparents.

Maybeyoucanidentifywithmygrandparents’story.Ifso,youmightbeinterestedtoknowthatprescriptiondrugdiscountsareincludedwithTFBFmembership.Savingstypicallyrangefrom10to40percentoffoftheretailpriceofeligibleprescriptions.

Beforeyougrabyourcarkeysandheadoutthedoortothepharmacy,Ineedtoclarifyafewthings.Thisdiscountwillnotstackontopofanyexistingdiscountthatyouaregettingthroughyourhealthinsuranceplan;itisnotinsurance;itisapointofsalediscount;mostchainandindependentpharmaciesparticipateintheprescription

discountprogram;andbestofallit’sfree. Tousethediscount,simplytakeyour

membershipcardbyaparticipatingpharmacyandshowthemthenumbersonthebackofthecard.Ifyouneedtofindaparticipatingpharmacy,checkthepriceofadrugorreprintyourmembershipcard,goonlineto www.tnfarmbureau.org/memberbenefits.Ifyouhaveotherquestions,callustollfreeat1-877-363-9100.

Oh,IalsoforgottomentionthatPapalsolikedsavingmoney,andsomehowIthinkthatsavingafewdollarsonhisprescriptionswouldhavemadehimsmile.

For members onlyuse youR membeRship caRd to save on pRescRiptions

Member Benefits

about the authorBryanWrightisthe

associatedirectoroforganization/[email protected].

Tolearnmoreaboutmemberbenefits,visitwww.tnfarmbureau.org/memberbenefitsorcallthememberbenefitshotlinetollfreeat1-877-363-9100.


www.fbitn.com

www.trh.com

www.grainger.com

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Travel

Jeffrey S. Otto

Jeffrey S. Otto


FARM CAMP TENNESSEE FARM CAMPS PROViDE A HEALTHY, EDUCATiONAL ALTERNATiVE TO ViDEO GAMES AND iPODS

You might say Tap root Farm offers a primer on agriculture for the farm-challenged. The 300-acre cattle operation in

Franklin is one of several Tennessee farms that host summer farm camps.

“We noticed many years ago that people love to come and hang out at the farm for a day,” says Susan Ingraham, director of fun at Tap root Farm and president of the Tennessee Agritourism Association. “my dad has taught many a young man how to work on Saturdays, and we love using our farm to bring joy to other people.”

tap Root faRm campIngraham’s parents, Frank and

Frances Ingraham, bought Tap root Farm in 1961 and have been raising beef cattle, row crops and hay ever since. Today, Susan Ingraham oversees farm operations with help

from her parents, her teenage children and farm manager russ harkai.

In 2008, Ingraham kicked off the first summer day camp for kids from kindergarten through eleventh grade, and it has grown steadily each year. In 2011, Tap root Farm is offering three weeklong camps with a maximum of 50 campers at each.

“We have done school field trips and farm tours, and we still do. But I’m more of a relationship person, so I like camps because we get to know the kids, along the same lines as my dad did teaching kids how to work on the farm,” Ingraham says. “These kids experience farm life and do what we do – they don’t just come see what we do and then leave. They garden all week, planting, hoeing, harvesting and working in our orchard.”

Campers also learn about Tap root Farm’s beef sales program. The

farm has been selling its certified Angus beef directly to consumers since 1996. “The campers get to go out and fiddle with the cows, and they learn about fencing or whatever is happening on the farm at the time,” Ingraham says. “We are on spring and well water, so we teach them about water and play tug-of-war across the creek. They ride horses every day and learn about tack, and horse and cattle feeding. And if we have any baby animals, they help take care of those.”

The farm’s beehives are always a popular topic, followed by a snack of hot biscuits topped with fresh honey.

“We do a lot of activities on our large screened-in porch,” Ingraham says. “no Tv, iPods, handheld games or cell phones are allowed at camp. But parents can always reach their kids through our camp staff.”

The week concludes with the kids

STORYBYJESSiCA MOzO

oR bust

FalconRidgeFarminHardemanCounty,topright,andTapRootFarminWilliamsonCountyoffersummerfarmcampsforkids.


When you buy from local farmers you: support local economy, enjoy a fresh product and keep local agriculture viable!

(931) 388-7872 ext. 2763 www.tnfarmfresh.com

www.tnfarmfresh.com

www.atotaltravel.com

www.amerigas.com

www.KillLakeWeeds.com/63AX


cooking a lunchtime feast. “They pick, wash, snap and cook green beans they hoed earlier in the week, and we cook burgers with our beef,” Ingraham says. “We make squash casserole with cheese and cracker crumbs, and the kids love it. When they tell their moms they ate squash, the moms are just amazed.”

Friday night, parents are invited for a bonfire, and kids can camp in tents with chaperones overnight under the stars. “We always go on a night hike,” Ingraham says. “These are life experiences many people never get to do if they don’t live on a farm.”

falcon Ridge hoRse campIn West Tennessee, Falcon ridge Farm

offers its own version of farm camp with an emphasis on horses. The three-day camp near Jackson is held twice each summer for kids ages 6 to 16. It focuses on horsemanship basics such as riding and grooming, as well as hayrides, a petting zoo, and arts and crafts.

“In 2010, we had kids from 250 miles away,” says ray gilmer, who owns Falcon ridge Farm with his wife, mary Ellen, their son, Bart, and daughter-in-law, Becky. “Parents will sometimes come for a mini-vacation and stay in a hotel in Jackson and bring their children to horse camp.”

Falcon ridge is a working farm where Tennessee Walking horses are trained and boarded. Bart runs the farm’s agritourism business, which includes a fall festival, Easter egg hunt, Christmas trees and country store. The farm’s summer horse camps for kids have been so popular, the gilmers are considering

camping with 4-h and ffaTennessee4-Hoffersavarietyofcampsgearedtospecificagegroupsfromfourthgradethroughtwelfthgrade.Formoreinformation,contactyourcounty’sUTExtensionoffice.

TennesseeFFAmemberstravelacrossthestatetoattendCampClementsinVanBurenCounty.Visitwww.tnffa.orgtolearnmore.

Findlinkstotheseandothersummercampsattnhomeandfarm.com/farm-camp.

2011 Camp Dates and Coststap Root faRm, fRanklinJune 13-17, July 18-22 and august 1-5limit 50 campers per sessionearly registration (ends June 15 for Home & Farm readers), $249/weeklate registration (after June 15), $339/weekvisit their website, www.taprootfarm.com, to print application

falcon Ridge faRm, tooneJune 20-22 and July 18-20limit 12 campers per session, $200 registration fee per childcontact them at www.falconridgefarm.net or call (731) 658-5200 to request application

offering a horse camp for adults in the future.“We teach campers how to get the horse

out, clean the stable and groom the horse, and we go over the anatomy of a horse – why his heart beats 40 times per minute, why his legs are so long, how his vision is different than ours,” gilmer says. “once we get them acclimated, we’ll put them in our indoor riding arena. By the second day, they’re usually riding by themselves.”

A world champion rider and trainer, gilmer has been teaching people to ride horses for more than three decades. The gilmers offer riding lessons year-round. “I got my first horse when I was 4, and I haven’t been without one since,” he says. “They are a great hobby, and if children learn the right way to handle them, it’s a really safe sport you can do all your life. I love watching a child interact with a horse – it gets them off the couch and out of the house, and they love it.”

Back at Tap root Farm, Ingraham says her camps are all about building relationships and integrity. “We’re helping them learn to become a human being who knows how to contribute to the world.”

CampersatTapRootFarmlearntomakemealswithfoodraisedonthefarm,aswellaswaystohavefunwithoutvideogamesoriPods.

Photos by Jeffrey S. Otto

www.tnhomeandfarm.com/farm-camp


This listing includes a selection of events of statewide interest scheduled in June, July and August as provided to Tennessee Home & Farm by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

To include your local events in our listing, please contact them at (615) 741-7994 or [email protected]. Due to space constraints, we are unable to include all of the events provided, but additional information and events can be found online through the department’s website, www.tnvacation.com.

Events are subject to date change or cancellation; please call the contact listed before traveling long distances to attend.

JUNERutherford county heritage day camp – June 2-3, murfreesboroLearn the rich history of the Davis and maney families and their lives during the Civil War. Children tour the houses and grounds, make crafts and play games. ConTACT: 615-893-0022, oaklandsmuseum.org

smoke: a ballet of the night Riders – June 2-4, 9-11, adamsA ballet depicting the history and the emotional struggle of the citizens of the red river area during the time of the night riders. The musical score consists of original compostions and new

arrangements of traditional folk and bluegrass music. ConTACT: 615-696-1300, smokenightriders.com

memphis italian festival – June 2-4, memphisEnjoy family-oriented fun with music, food, events, games and arts and crafts. Learn about the Italian-American tradition. Benefits the holy rosary Parish School. ConTACT: 901-543-5310, memphisitalianfestival.com

smoky mountain pottery festival – June 3-4, townsendThe festival features a variety of fine pottery in beautiful styles and exciting techniques. ConTACT: 865-273-1242, smokymountainfestivals.org

blue plum art & music festival – June 3-5, Johnson cityFree outdoor music and art festival spanning seven city blocks in downtown Johnson City. Features children’s entertainment, music and more. ConTACT: 423-928-3479, blueplum.org

national moofest – June 4-5, athensAnnual festival celebrating the important role the dairy industry plays within one of Tennessee’s most historic towns. ConTACT: 423-746-9041, nationalmoofest.com

sycamore shoals native american festival – June 4-5, elizabethtonCome and discover the arts, music, dance, crafts, legends and stories of native Americans. ConTACT: 423-543-5808, sycamoreshoals.org

a taste of country – June 11, springfieldThis robertson County country festival includes country cooking, arts and crafts, live music, a garden tour and plant sale, farmers’ market and more. ConTACT: 615-384-3800, robertsonchamber.org

Rockabilly Revival festival and antique car show – June 11, selmerThe festival features rockabilly music from old and new artists alike. held in conjunction is an antique car show, antique tractor show and motorcycle ride & show. ConTACT: 731-697-9149, mcnairy.com

Tennessee Events & Festivals

Events & Festivals

The65thAnnualRhododendronFestivaltakesplaceJune18-19,2011,inRoanMountaininEastTennessee.


oaklands victorian craft camp – June 13-15, murfreesboro Children 6-12 experience hands-on materials and craft making during this new camp offered at oaklands historic house museum. ConTACT: 615-893-0022, oaklandsmuseum.org

fruits of the backyard – June 14, spring hillThis free educational event offers visitors a chance to learn about the production of small fruits like grapes and blueberries, and how they can easily be grown in the backyard. The field day also trains guests on maintaining the more traditional “fruits” of their yards, such as beautiful shrubs and lush lawns. ConTACT: 731-425-4768, middletennessee.tennessee.edu

Juneteenth freedom festival – June 17-19, memphisA three-day celebration with live entertainment featuring gospel, jazz, r&B, blues, rap, classical and neosoul music. Food and merchandise vendors, exhibits, dancers, storytelling, picnics and more. ConTACT: 901-543-5310, juneteenthmemphis.com

bell buckle Rc & moon pie festival – June 18, bell buckleCutting the world’s largest moon Pie. ConTACT: 931-389-9663, bellbucklechamber.com

living history & militia muster – June 18-19, elizabethtonre-enactors portray a variety of characters, from hunters and farmers to land speculators and backcountry gentry. Walk among colonists and native peoples who share their past through talks, mini-dramas, and demonstrations of 18th century life. ConTACT: 423-543-5808, sycamoreshoalstn.org

Rose mont festival – June 18-19, gallatinBrowse through the antique, craft, jewelry and furniture booths on the grounds of historic rose mont. Tour of the mansion will be available. ConTACT: 615-451-2331, historicrosemont.com

65th annual Rhododendron festival – June 18-19, Roan mountainCelebrating blooming of rhododendron gardens, crafters, folkways, musicians and food. ConTACT: 800-250-8620, www.roanmountain.com

front porch pastimes day camp – June 20-24, murfreesboroChildren 6-12 have a chance to step back into the past while being introduced to period games, chores, crafts and cooking. Limited spaces available. ConTACT: 615-893-0022, oaklandsmuseum.org

aths music city chapter antique & working truck show – June 17-18, cumberland county fairgrounds, crossvilleFeatures antique or working trucks from pickups to 18-wheelers, antique tractors and engines. held in conjunction with Cumberland Plateau Antique tractor and Gas engine Show. COntACt: 931-200-3203, www.aths.org

tobacco beef & more – June 23, springfieldThe mid-South’s beef and tobacco producers will want to attend this free educational event which features the state’s leading experts on topics such as animal health, forage, burley and dark fired tobacco production. ConTACT: 731-425-4768, [email protected]

frontier days – June 23-25, lynchburgrodeo, carnival rides, games, shoot out, big parade, contests and auctions. ConTACT: 931-759-4111, lynchburgtn.com

kuumba festival – June 25-26, knoxvilleShowcases local African American art and artists sharing, educating and exposing rich cultural art forms to the community. Features more than 200 entertainers performing on three stages, live demonstrations, and more than 100 crafts people and food vendors. ConTACT: 865-546-9705, kuumbafesttn.com

antebellum academy – June 27-July 1, murfreesboroCamp for girls 13 and up where they will study etiquette, dance, penmanship, music, needlework and art. Space is limited and reservations are required. Contact: 615-893-0022, oaklandsmuseum.org

JULYfreedom festival – July 3, hendersonvilleCraft booths, music, children’s play area, food and fireworks at dark. ConTACT: 615-824-2818, hendersonvillechamber.com

gatlinburg’s fourth of July midnight parade – July 3-4, gatlinburgBeginning at midnight and stretching more than a mile in length, more than 100 decorated floats, helium balloons, marching bands and more. ConTACT: 800-568-4748, eventsgatlinburg.com

www.aths.org


anvil shoot and independence day celebration – July 4, norrisold-fashioned celebration with musicians, craftspeople and demonstrations of old-time activities such as sassafras tea brewing, shepherding, rail splitting and more. ConTACT: 865-494-7680, museumofappalachia.org

fourth of July celebration – July 4, adamsThis annual celebration includes picnicking, family fun activities, food and firework display. ConTACT: 615-696-2687, adamstennessee.com

July 4th celebration at cherokee park – July 4, morristownFree, day-long musical celebration for the family. Enjoy a variety of bands, children’s games and activities, ending with a firework display at sunset. ConTACT: 423-581-5630, citizentribune.com

smokin’ the water fourth of July festival – July 4, kingstonCelebrate Independence Day with a parade, miss Firecracker Pageant, drag boat races, food, live music, art show and an exciting fireworks show. ConTACT: 865-376-5572, roanetourism.com

20th annual great celebration mule & donkey show – July 7-9, shelbyvilleThree days of quality mules and donkeys. more than 25 states are represented for this fun-filled, family-oriented show. ConTACT: 931-684-5915, twhnc.com

lauderdale county tomato festival – July 8-9, Ripley city park, RipleyA two-day celebration paying honor to area tomato growers. Festival activities include carnival rides, games, baby crawling contest, food and craft vendors, live music, tomato tasting and a beauty contest to select Tomato Festival royalty. ConTACT: 731-635-9541, lauderdalecountytn.org

2nd-annual tojo creek gourd gala and art festival – July 9, wilson county fairgrounds, lebanonLocal gourd artists provide demonstrations of their craft. gourd art displayed and some for sale, as well as additional homemade crafts. ConTACT: 615-449-0335, [email protected]

summer celebration lawn & garden show – July 14, west tennessee agResearch & education center, JacksonColorful blooms and lush foliage spark creative ideas and offer lessons in horticulture management that can save homeowners time and money. hear presentations from the region’s leading gardening experts. Purchase great performing plants at the master gardener Plant Sale. ConTACT: 731-425-4768, west.tennessee.edu

thresherman’s show – July 15-16, adamsBlacksmith, mule pulls, craft fair, flea market, children’s games, pony rides and food vendors. ConTACT: 615-696-2687, adamstennessee.com

kingsport fun fest – July 15-23, kingsportrun in the world’s fastest 8K, “the Crazy 8s,” listen to national talent at concerts, visit Bays mountain Park, watch hot-air balloons and many more activities for the whole family. ConTACT: 800-743-5282, visitkingsport.com,

www.tennessee811.com


white oak mountain bluegrass festival – July 16-17, tri-state exhibition center, clevelandhighly-acclaimed bluegrass bands delight crowds at this event. Antique tractors, shade tree picking and food vendors will also be featured. ConTACT: 423-476-9310, tsec.org

annual wevl fm 90 blues on the bluff – July 23, national ornamental metal museum, memphisThis event offers visitors a scenic view of the mississippi river while listening to some of the best blues, soul and rhythm and blues artists. ConTACT: 901-543-5310, wevl.org

grainger county tomato festival – July 29-30, RutledgeFree admission, food, fun, crafts, Civil War encampment, and fresh grainger County tomatoes and produce for sale. ConTACT: graingercountytomatofestival.com

folklife festival – July 30, kingsportCelebrate the good old days with traditional entertainment from the East Tennessee hills. Enjoy a day full of old-time music, games and tales. Delight in traditional life skills demonstrations and contests. ConTACT: 423-239-6786, state.tn.us/environment/parks/parks/WarriorsPath

AUGUSTtennessee state square & Round dance convention – august 4-6, gatlinburgThis convention has something to offer every casual or avid square, round or line dancer. Fun activities such as workshops, fashion show, sewing clinic, great shopping, prize drawings. ConTACT: 865-654-6747, tnsquaredance.org

highway 127 corridor sale: the world’s longest yard sale – august 4-7, highway 127headquartered in Jamestown, the world’s longest yard sale stretches for 654 miles along highway 127. ConTACT: 800-327-3945, 127sale.com

Rock-a-billy festival – august 5-6, international Rock-a-billy hall of fame museum, JacksonThe world’s largest gathering of rock-a-billy artists and musicians, featuring the

cherokee days of Recognition – august 5-7, clevelandthis annual event celebrates Cherokee customs and culture with games, food, demonstrations, a blowgun tournament, crafts and more. COntACt: 423-478-0339, state.tn.us/environment/parks/redClay

www.tn.us/environment/parks/RedClay

www.PickTnProducts.org

www.facebook.com/PickTnProducts

www.facebook.com/PickTnProducts

www.twitter.com/PickTnProducts


Quantity: _________________copy(ies) at $9.95 each

Book total: ________________Tennessee residents add 9.25% sales tax (.92 per book): _________________

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Purchase online:www.tnhomeandfarm.com

On salenOwOrder yOurcOPy tOday!

By mail: Journal Communications c/o Retail Fulfillment Center 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Ste. 400 Franklin, TN 37067

Send to: Name: _______________________________________

Address: _____________________________________

City: _________________________________________

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Order FOrm

Presented by the tennessee Farm Bureau Federation and Tennessee Home & Farm magazine

Here’s your chance to own the

world’s best collection of chicken

and dumplings recipes!

Down-Home Dumplings is filled

with more than 50 recipes

entered by TFB members in the

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cook-off finalists. Dumpling experts and novices

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As author Pettus Read puts it, “country has been around for a long time.” In this book of his favorite Read All About It columns from the past 30-plus years, Read discusses pulley bones, the disappearance of stick horses, Christmases at Mop-Ma’s and the ever popular Uncle Sid and Aunt Sadie. Full of Read’s wisdom and wit, this Rural Psychology Primer will likely stir up your own feelings of nostalgia for the country way of life.

Tennessee Home & Farm presents:

By mail:

Journal Communications Inc.

c/o Retail Fulfillment Center

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www.tnhomeandfarm.com


it’s Time to Enter the 16th Annual Tennessee

Farm Bureau Photo ContestPull out your camera and start snapping! Submit your best photos in

our annual contest, and you could be named the grand-prize winner. To enter, fill out the form below and mail your prints to us. Or, visit

tnhomeandfarm.com to upload your digital photos and enter online. Winners will be announced in the winter issue of Tennessee Home

& Farm. First-place winners in each of three categories will be awarded $100 cash prizes; the grand-prize winner receives $200. Entries must be postmarked (or submitted online) by Aug. 1.

Name ___________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________

City __________________________ State _______ ZIP ________

Phone ___________________________________________________

County of FB Membership _________________________________

Category:

Mail entry to:

Tennessee Farm Bureau Photo ContestP.O. Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402-0313

OFFICIAL RULES: Only original photos or high-quality reprints will be accepted via mailed entries. Color or black-and-white photos are acceptable in any size. Attach this entry form to the back of the photo (copies may be made of entry form if more than one is needed). No digital media storage devices will be accepted via the mailed entry option. To submit a digital photo, visit tnhomeandfarm.com and click on the photo contest entry form. Digital files must be high resolution – minimum of 5x7 inches at 300 dpi. To avoid legal entanglements, make sure permission has been given for use of photos. Online entrants are automatically entered in a web-only readers’ choice contest, which has no monetary prize. We offer three categories: Agriculture Is Life, Tennessee Gardens and The Animal Kingdom. Only one entry per category per person. Only Tennessee Farm Bureau members and their immediate family (parents, children, siblings) are eligible to enter. Employees of Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee Farmers Insurance Cos., county Farm Bureaus or their families are not eligible to win. This is an amateur photo contest. Professional photographers are not eligible. Entries must be postmarked by Aug. 1, 2011. Photos will not be returned and will become property of Tennessee Farm Bureau and Journal. Images may be used in TFBF publications with photo credit given. For additional information, call Tennessee Farm Bureau, (931) 388-7872, Misty McNeese, ext. 2211. For questions about the online entry form, call Jessy Yancey at (800) 333-8842, ext. 217, or e-mail [email protected].

❒Tennessee Gardens

❒The Animal Kingdom

❒Agriculture Is Life

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pioneers of rock-a-billy music as well as new artists. ConTACT: 731-427-6262, rockabillyhall.org

elvis week – august 10-16, memphisCelebrate the music, movies and legacy of Elvis Presley. Enjoy a full week of fun events. ConTACT: 800-238-2000, elvisweek.com

smokin’ in mcminnville – august 11-13, mcminnville civic center, mcminnvilleA state championship BBQ contest and backyard competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. The event features money prizes plus music, food vendors, games and inflatables for kids. ConTACT: 931-473-6611, warrentn.com

davy crockett’s 225th birthday celebration – august 13, morristownIn celebration of the 225th birthday for Davy Crockett, the annual event includes refreshments, music, children’s activities, re-enactors, tours of the Crockett Tavern museum. ConTACT: 423-587-9900, discoveret.org/crockett

appalachian craft fair – august 22-27, davy crockett birthplace state park, grayTraditional arts and crafts, bluegrass music and food. ConTACT: 423-257-2167, tnstateparks.com

tennessee walking horse national celebration – august 24- september 3, shelbyvilleThis event for the Tennessee Walking horse encompasses exciting classes in competition where more than $650,000 in prizes and awards are given. other activities include a barn decorating contest, a trade fair and a dog show. ConTACT: 931-684-5915, twhnc.com

charlotte fall festival – august 27, charlotteThis celebration features a parade, a variety of local musical acts, children’s rides and games, and a variety of foods. Free to the public. ConTACT: 615-789-4184, dicksoncountychamber.com

fall gardeners’ festival – august 30, crossvilleThis outdoor gardening festival offers 12 educational sessions, wagon tours of the uT Plateau Agresearch and Education Center and walking tours of the Plateau Discovery gardens. Experts will be available to examine diseased or pest-infested samples brought in by participants. ConTACT: 931-707-0120, ccmga.org

www.tnhomeandfarm.com


Southern Summersas the tempeRatuRe heats up, so does nostalgia

ForachildoftheSouth,summerdayswerelongandhotandlazy.Timewasspentbelly-downonthecoolboardsofashady

porchwithfamilydogs,orinsoftgrassbeneathmimosatreeswatchingbutterfliesandhummingbirdsflitamongtheblossoms,viewingfluffywhitecloudspeepingthroughbranches.

Theroadwaslayeredinpowderydust,whereonecouldmarkoutmapsorwiggletoesdeepintothefine,drystuffdowntothecool,dampearth.Agreatcloudofdustfarawaysignaledtherarecar,itspassagecausingmuchspeculation.

Theairwasalivewiththechirpofinsectsandthesongsofbirds,allinterwovenwithsoftwhispersoftheearthbreathing.Hollyhocksbuzzedwithfatbumblebees,andJunebugs

flewwilly-nillyintotreetrunksandthesidesofthehouse,collapsingtotheground,stunnedandeasilycaught.Alongthreadwasattachedtothehaplessbeetle’slegandheldastheinsectbuzzedaroundinafranticcircle.

Gardensgrewripetomatoes,sweetbellpeppersandfatgreenpeastopluckandeatonthespot,oryoungcarrotsandradishestopullfromsoftearth,rinse,andcrunchwithroothairsstillattached.Appletreesbeggedtobeclimbed,offeringtheirtartgreenorbstomunchwithasprinkleofsalt.

Late-eveningfour-o’clocksandmoonflowersopened;thegreatsphinxmothcameouttosiptheirnectar.Latesupperswereservedastheaircooledandthesunsankbeyondthetrees–friedchickenorham,garden-freshcorn,greenbeans,squashandsmooth,goldencornbread.Afavoritedessertwasbiscuitpudding:crumbledleftoverbiscuitscoveredwithrich,sweetpudding,toppedwithfluffymeringue.

Asdusksettled,theadultsmovedtotheporch,sweetteatinklingintheirglasses;kidsranabouttheyardcatchinglightningbugstoputintojars,lidspiercedwithsmallholesforventilation.Thesemakeshiftlanternswouldblinkintothenightinthesleepinghousehold.Thechildrenretreatedtotheporchandwatchedthestarscomeout,closeandbrightinthesummersky.Asbreezestouchedthetreetops,thestarsdanced,andthegreatswathoftheMilkyWaywascontemplatedbyyoungandold.

Onunbearablyhotnights,heatlightningflickeredalongthehorizon.Electricfansweremovedfromroomtoroom,andpalletswerespreadonthefloornearscreendoorstocapturestraybreezes.AforgottenJunebugtiedtoitsstringbuzzedabouttheporch.Morningsweremercifullycool,dewsparklingonthegrass,anotherlongdayofleisureahead.

Buttheseeasydayswouldsoongivewaytotherushofschool,wheretheexcitementwastemperedwithboredomofdrillandrepetition,thecalendarmarkingtimetotheendoftheyear,shorterdaysanddampchill,thelongsummerbecomingpartofachild’smemory.

View From the Back Porch

about the authorCaroleGarretson

BecallowasraisedonafarminLawrenceCounty.SheretiredinWaynesboroafteralongandsuccessfulcareerasanX-raytechnician.Sheenjoysgardening,readingandwriting.

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summer 2011 tennessee home and farm

Documents

dutch oven

years photo contest

readers choice contest

great family stories

jeff aiken

dan hancock

charles hancock

jessica walker