Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Giving Thanks

By Jackie Barber of Winners Drink Milk

Tomorrow, families around the country will gather to enjoy good food and each other's company and to give thanks. As you reflect this year on the blessings you have received, you may be missing one link in the chain.

My family has a tradition of everyone saying one thing we are thankful for, and someone always mentions the people who prepare our Thanksgiving meal, but we, like many families, miss thanking the farmers who grew the food for our Thanksgiving meal.


Anyone who has a Thanksgiving meal, with turkey, stuffing, casseroles, sides, pies and all, owes a huge debt to the farmers who grow and raise that food. Farmers supply our tables with safe, reliable and inexpensive food so we can enjoy our meals every day and on holidays.

Thanksgiving morning, when you and your family may watch the Macy's parade, will see many farmers across the country getting up before sunrise to feed their animals or milk their cows. For most farmers the harvest is over, but the long business of planning for next year's crop has already begun.


The men and women who grow and raise your food work long hours, with slim profit margins, lots of risk, and lots of hard labor. Farmers are a dwindling breed, but their dedication to their professions allows the rest of us to do something besides spending all our time raising our food. Less than 2 percent of Americans are in farming, but they provide enough food for the rest of us.


The abundance of food most Americans experience at Thanksgiving is a debt we all owe farmers. When your family thanks the hands that the prepared the food this year, remember to also thank the hands that grew it.

Monday, November 25, 2013

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

By Sarah Correll

In many homes, Black Friday is the beginning of the Christmas season. Luckily for us, Indiana tree farmers have been putting in extra hours to prepare for the most wonderful time of year!


A fresh tree has a lot of benefits. Here are a few reasons to consider a real Indiana Christmas tree.

 

1.      The smell. A real tree gives a smell far more real than any pine scented candles.

 
2.      The appearance. No two are the same and all are beautiful.
 

3.      The diversity. From Scotch pine to blue spruce, real trees give families tons of options.


4.      The connection to community. Chances are there is a tree farm not far from your backyard.

 

5.      The memories. Whether you are choosing from trees in the lot with your family and some hot cocoa or cutting your own from a tree farmer’s field, tradition and fond memories are sure to be built.

 

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Giving Thanks and Staying Safe

By Sarah Correll

There is certainly plenty to be thankful for this and every year, and we hope that not having food poisoning can make your list. Follow these steps to make sure you and your family stay safe.

Thaw in the Refrigerator.

 
Turkey and other meats are most safely thawed in the refrigerator. You should allow about a day in the refrigerator for every five pounds of turkey.

Stuff Safely.

 
The safest way to prepare stuffing is to cook it separately from the bird, but if you are planning to stuff the bird, make sure its internal temperature is at least 165 degrees.

Cook Thoroughly.

Size of Turkey
Unstuffed
Stuffed
4 to 6 pounds (breast)
1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours
Not usually applicable
6 to 8 pounds (breast)
2 1/4 to 3 1/4 hours
2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours
8 to 12 pounds
2 3/4 to 3 hours
3 to 3 1/2 hours
12 to 14 pounds
3 to 3 3/4 hours
3 1/2 to 4 hours
14 to 18 pounds
3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours
4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds
4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours
4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
20 to 24 pounds
4 1/2  to 5 hours
4 3/4  to 5 1/4  hours

Turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Not sure how long it will take? Use this handy chart from Foodsafety.gov!

Don’t Leave the Leftovers

 
Don’t leave food out for more than two hours, and be sure to use your leftovers within 3-4 days.

Find answers to all your food safety questions here.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Talking Turkey with Our Favorite Recipes


 
It’s November, and that means that (at least for this month) turkey is the bird of choice in kitchens across America. Here is how some of our friends are serving up their turkey!

 
Turkey Ole from Amy at A Latte with Ott, A

 
Herbed Turkey and Rice Pilaf from Cris at Goodeness Gracious


All American Turkey Pot Pie from Liz at Two Maids a Milking (How pretty is that?!)

 
Semi-Homemade Turkey Manhattans from Heather at 3 Kids and Lots of Kids

 
Turkey Enchilada Pie from Amy at A Latte with Ott, A

 
Crock Pot Turkey Breast from Leah at Beyer Beware

 
Lemon Garlic Turkey Rotini from Katie On the Banks of Squaw Creek

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

News Release: Indiana Farmers Donate Food to Habitat for Humanity Homeowners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (November 5, 2013) — On November 1, Indiana’s Family of Farmers presented beef, poultry and dairy products to fill the refrigerator and freezer of Habitat for Humanity homeowner, Joseph Olumullah of Indianapolis.

Olumullah’s new home, dubbed “The House that Agriculture Built,” was built in just 14 days at the 2013 Indiana State Fair with the help of 27 ag-related sponsors and hundreds of volunteers.  A deep freezer was also donated by Indiana’s Family of Farmers and will serve as storage for the frozen foods. 

Beef, dairy and poultry products were included in the donation and provided by farmers from around the state.  Poultry farmers also donated enough turkeys to provide two other Habitat recipient families with Thanksgiving birds this year.

“We are grateful that Indiana’s Family of Farmers has supported our Ag Build partner family for the third year in a row,” said Ted Mosey, Corporate & Faith Relations Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis.  “This food will help get the family on their feet right away, and we couldn’t be happier for them.” 

During the 2013 Indiana State Fair, visitors could register to win a freezer thanks to Indiana’s Family of Farmers. Jack Rubak of Indianapolis was the winner of this year’s giveaway.

Along with partnering with Habitat for Humanity at this year’s fair, Indiana’s Family of Farmers donated 5,200 pounds of food to Indiana food banks through Feeding Indiana’s Hungry (FIsH) to match the projected weight of the World’s Largest Popcorn Ball displayed at this year’s fair as part of the Year of Popcorn. The cash equivalent of $8,372 will be used to purchase food – enough for 4,333 meals – to feed Hoosier families.

Indiana’s Family of Farmers works to promote the work of farmers across the state and is made up of 18 organizations that represent the agriculture industry.

Visit www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com for more information.

-30-

 

Indiana's Family of Farmers are among the nation's top producers of the grains, produce and meats you eat every day because we believe that quality farming means quality food that's good for you, your families and the environment. That's our promise. Food for your family, from our family. For more information on Indiana’s Family of Farmers, visit http://www.indianafamilyoffarmers.com/

Feeding Indiana's Hungry (FIsH) is the statewide association of Feeding America affiliated food banks (formerly America’s Second Harvest).  Our eleven member food banks serve more than 1,700 agencies in all 92 counties, providing emergency food assistance to Hoosiers in need.

Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Inc. food banks statewide include:
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, Gary
Food Bank of Northern Indiana, South Bend
Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., Lafayette
Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, Ft. Wayne
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, Inc., Muncie
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Indianapolis
Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank, Terre Haute
Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Bloomington
Tri-State Food Bank, Inc., Evansville
Dare to Care Food Bank, Louisville, KY
Freestore Foodbank, Cincinnati, OH
 
For more information on Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Inc., visit 
www.feedingindianashungry.org

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis works with low-income families in need to provide the life-changing opportunity to purchase and own quality, affordable homes. As a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry, Habitat for Humanity is committed to eliminating poverty housing and making decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. To accomplish the goals Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families and individuals in need.
 
Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis has helped more than 700 families globally relocate from substandard and poverty housing into simple, decent, and affordable homes. More than 400 of these homeowners are here in our community of Greater Indianapolis and 300 in Central America. The foundations laid by Habitat go far beyond the physical structure of a home. Habitat for Humanity is creating stable foundations in all areas of life – impacting future generations. To learn more or get involved, visit www.indyhabitat.org or follow us on Twitter @IndyHabitat. 

Thanksgiving from Our Family to Yours

It’s November, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Check out these recipes for a little inspiration for your family’s celebration!

Turkey (Made in the Crock Pot!) from Amy at A Latte with Ott, A

 
Roast Turkey from Katie at On the Banks of Squaw Creek (she’s a turkey farmer!)


Sweet Potato Souffle from Amy at A Latte with Ott, A


Yeast Rolls from Liz at Two Maids a Milking


Macaroni and Cheese from Amy at Two Maids a Milking


Sweet Potato Pie from Amy at A Latte with Ott, A

 
What is the star of your Thanksgiving meal? Share it will us below!