The Farm Diaries, A Dinner Love Story|November 2017

A few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of hosting our first ever harvest dinner at Tumbleweed Farm with my foodie friends Jim Henkens and Cameron Addy.  I met Jim last spring when he hosted me for a book singing at his wonderful shop in Seattle, WA. We hit it off immediately and talked about how wonderful it would be to collaborate on a farm-to-table dinner one day. Well that day finally happened and I’m still pinching myself because this was truly a night to remember.

This whole event could not of happened if it weren’t for our small army of help. Unfortunately, the day of the dinner it was a farmers market day for Taylor and me so we couldn’t be at the farm for the first half of the day.  Luckily, Cameron and Jim were able to do the majority of the dinner prep in the morning and we had some amazing help from two awesome people (who just so happen to be our first Tumbleweed Farm employees) to help us convert our tractor barn into a cozy dining space for the evening.  When Taylor and I got back from the farmers market we jumped right in to help out but we seriously couldn’t have done it without our tribe!

Jim and I chatted about the menu weeks before the dinner and wanted to create a 5 course dinner that centered around comforting food with a Tumbleweed Farm flair. We dished up recipes from my cookbook along with slow roasting a couple of pork shoulders . Everything on the menu was cooked over an open flame and it truly was a magical night with wonderful friends, great food, and delicious beverages.

Country Girl Old Fashioned Cocktails from the Dishing up the Dirt cookbook were a total hit!

Beautiful COR Cellars Wines were enjoyed with the dinner.

Just a short farm girl and her very tall friends slow roasting a pork shoulder! I’m still pinching myself that I got to be in the kitchen (my kitchen!!!) with these amazing guys.

We’re extremely grateful to the amazing folks over at the Big Green Egg for helping us make this incredible night come to life. When Jim and I first started the conversation about the menu we were both drawn to the idea of having the whole meal cooked slowly over fire. There is just something special about being outside in the fresh air and preparing a meal right on the farm that makes me so happy. Jim even made his famous sourdough bread on the Egg and hot damn! It was amazing.

One of the most amazing things that has happened since my cookbook release last spring is the relationships I’ve cultivated with wonderful people who love food and sharing a meal with others just as much as I do. At one point during the evening I looked over at Taylor and said, “Can you believe we’re doing this? This is actually happening.” I admire Jim and Cameron as chefs and I’m completely at a loss for words to describe how honored I was to have them at the farm doing what they do best.

Jim and I gave a little pre-dinner welcome talk and let folks know what the inspiration was behind all the different courses they were about to eat. It was really fun to connect with everyone and I’m so happy that folks we’re able to enjoy a full menu with food from the farm, wine from our neighbors, and good company all around.

These two wonderful people standing next to me went up and beyond to help us make this night happen. Adam and Rebekah you guys rule!

Who knew a rickety old tractor barn could be the coziest of places on a fall night? While the food was amazing, the company was even better. Thank you to everyone who joined us at our table, clinked glasses, and reminded us of why we do what we do. Growing food and sharing a meal with others brings us the most joy.

A big shout out to the wonderful folks at The Big Green Egg for helping to make this night happen and to our friends and neighbors COR Cellars for donating all the delicious wine. And of course, the biggest thank you to my dear friend and amazing photographer Kate Schwager for capturing this wonderful evening.

I hope wherever this post finds you that you’re inspired to break bread and sit at the table with people you love. And hey, a dinner party doesn’t have to be extravagant. You don’t need professional cooks or a farm to pull one off. Simple can be just as wonderful. I’ll leave you with my favorite dinner menu that anybody can create. Cheers!

Tumbleweed Farm’s Daily Menu

Appetizers of Joy

Salads of Laughter

Entrées of Peace

Desserts of Hope

Fill the world with joy, laughter, peace and hope. Share a meal with friends, neighbors and strangers alike. –Poem written by my amazing mom!