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My other new book: Out to Change the World - an excerpt from the introduction
I have invested
virtually all of my adult life into The Farm Community. I say “invested”
because I have put everything I have both materially and spiritually into it,
and reaped the fruits of these efforts 100 fold.
My wife Deborah and I
came to The Farm in 1973, two years after the original group landed with the
bus Caravan in 1971. We were both 19, married almost 2 years and together since
we were 15. When we arrived we were the youngest couple on The Farm.
I remember feeling we
were late to the party. We had missed the Summer of Love in San Francisco and
by the time we got to The Farm there were already about 400 people in the
community. Now looking back over the last 40 years, we have seen so much of the
community’s history pass before our eyes and have been very active participants
through it all.
I have tried to tell our
story as accurately as possible to the best of my knowledge. In the early days
of The Farm I was not part of the “inner sanctum,” or engaged in the higher
levels of management. I was a worker bee like thousands of others, who came to
The Farm to be a part of something bigger than myself, to follow a spiritual
path, to make a difference in the world.
It
has been a very full life. I am honored to share The Farm’s story…
and my story,
with you. |
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Broccoli Salad
I am always interested in ways to incorporate raw food into my diet, and this holiday favorite has been a real hit. I thank my sister Kim for sharing her recipe. I am not usually a fan of raw broccoli, but this dish has changed my ways.
- 1
teaspoon salt
- 1-2 heads of fresh broccoli (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup candied pecans - Option: 1/2 cup
toasted slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup
of red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup
of diced carrots
- 1 cup
of Craisins or raisins
- 1 cup
mayonnaise (
Nayonnaise for vegans)
- 2
tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup
honey or
maple syrup
- Optional:
1 cup sliced, fresh strawberries
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Broccoli Salad -
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| I like to cut the broccoli and carrots into fairly small pieces, including the stems of the broccoli. This provides more surface area for the mayo dressing, subduing the flavor of the raw broccoli in a way that better suits my palate. Mixing the mayo with the vinegar thins it down so that it is easier to thoroughly coat the ingredients. The candied pecans blend with the dressing to present a sweet and sour flavor, while the Craisins provide a sweetness with more tang than standard raisins. In place of honey you could use a little maple syrup or brown sugar. Mix it all together, taste, adding in more dressing if you so desire. It is so good! |
Candied Pecans
Here in the South, roasted and candied pecans are a
traditional holiday dish. The roasted pecans are served on their own as a side dish on the table.
- 1 cup raw pecans
- 1 tablespoon of butter or butter substitute
- 1-2 TBS maple syrup
- 1-2 TBS brown or raw sugar
- Optional:
1-2 TBS flour
Simply stir these together in a skillet until the butter is melted and the pecans are coated. Continue stirring until the nuts begin to brown. These are ready and should be served warm.
For candied pecans, add the maple syrup, along with the brown sugar and flour. When the nuts cool, the brown sugar helps the maple syrup crystallize, coating the nuts. Adding flour increases the amount of coating. If working with pecan halves, chop finely before adding to the Broccoli Salad.
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Candied pecans - a holiday tradition in the South |
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Saving the Land
Over the last 10 years, Swan Trust has raised over $1.2 million toward securing the 1400-acre Big Swan Headwaters Preserve.
We are closing in on the final $150,000!
This summer we sent a letter
pledging that contributions made during June and July
would be applied directly to the principal of our note.
Our theory was that Swan Trust’s
supporters want to get the most bang for their bucks…The response was fantastic,
We were able to apply $10,000 directly to the note!
We are doing it again! Now through the end of 2013, all money collected will be applied directly to the principal. It is almost like doubling the effectiveness of your gift.
Make this holiday season one to remember, and help Swan Trust take another big step toward the unfettered establishment of Big Swan Headwaters Preserve. |
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Good Neighbors!
The sense of community embodied by The Farm extends beyond its immediate borders. It has been amazing to watch the growing number of people affiliated with the community who choose to live nearby rather than within it. In this way, they can can remain autonomous and still derive the benefits of the Community. The New Farm recognizes the valuable contributions these folks bring,
strengthening the regional network of like-minded people.
Deanna and Dan first attended one of my Farm Experience Weekends
several years ago. After returning to visit several times,
they enrolled their daughter part-time in The Farm School. They
were commuting back and forth from Nashville, and a strong connection and warm friendship began to develop. Last year
Deanna and Dan took the plunge, and purchased five acres pretty much within
shouting distance of one of The Farm’s borders. A big welcome to Dan and Dena and all our new neighbors!
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Deanna and Dan
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Sunset on The Farm |
Thank you for your time and attention!
Douglas@thefarmcommunity.com |
