It takes a special person to lean into the artisanal life of producing food by hand using heritage processes and old-school techniques. In these days of mass production, these passionate producers are a rare breed. We are blessed to call these people friends and are honored to be able to share their stories with you. Understanding where our food comes from is a critical step in learning how to steward our planet and make the best possible decisions about purchasing and preserving what we need and have.
Laughing Tree Bakery not only does things by hand, but uses artisanal ingredients using only solar power. Wise Family Farm landed in West Michigan after Brad’s Coast Guard career brought him here, but they quickly adapted to a rural existence, tending chickens, cows, rabbits and so much more. It’s a family affair. And the Cheese Lady, while not a producer herself, has drawn from the cheese traditions of Old World Europe, curating the finest collection of any fromagerie in the area. Stepping into one of their shops is like a stroll through Paris. The impeccable collection and all the accoutrement are transporting.
These stories, and more, are not to be missed, as they tell the tale of producers that go the extra step, preserving traditions and producing in a sustainable way.
Passion & Purpose: Laughing Tree Bakery
Hands. As in hard working hands. Hands is the word that immediately springs to mind after spending a morning in rural Michigan somewhere near Hart. (“We could give you an address, but we’re not really on the map – this will get you pretty close”, I was...
Spiced Cranberry Ginger Kumquat Chutney
Thanks to Frontier Co-op for Sponsoring This Post! Nothing screams holidays like cranberries, citrus and spice. Mulled wine, orange pomanders (that’s fancy talk for oranges poked full of cloves), and cranberry garlands. So imagine my delight when the good people...
Thanksgiving Essentials: Roast Turkey Perfection and Gimme-More Gravy
Nary has a Thanksgiving rolled by that I am not peppered with queries from dawn to dusk. I heed the call, alternating with “Gobble Gobble” and “Butterball Hotline.” This year, I say bring it on. I’ve got nothing but time. Yup! I have already cooked my...
Roasted Poblano Strata – Eggstravaganza Part 2
Now that you have eggstracted all the info needed to pick the best possible, freshest, and ethically, pasture-farmed eggs for your roasted poblano strata, it's time to get cooking. But what's that you ask? What's a strata?? Come on! You know what a strata is even...
Ethical Farming: Behind the Scenes at Wise Family Farm Eggstravaganza Part 1
How many times have you reached for that egg caddy in the fridge and not thought a whip about where those eggs came from or how their mothers have been treated. I was making a roasted poblano strata (recipe in the next post) for some house guests one weekend and...
Meet Katy
Well, hello there! I’m Katy. And I’m all about Palate & Passion & Purpose. I’ve spent my whole life weaving together a passion for food, entertaining, and enjoying family & friends with a purpose for improving the lives of others. There’s no better way to live with purpose than to break bread with others. See how that all came full circle? And…I was lucky enough to make a career out of doing so!