“Our daughter Laura has a business degree and she has taken over managing the bakery and developing recipes using produce we grow on the farm. My husband Kevin is our technology specialist keeping the 13 computers on the farm running. Our other daughter Leah lives in Alberta and looks after promoting Davison Orchards on Twitter and Facebook and helps keep our website up to date,” said Tamra Davison, marketing director.

Tamra and Laura also run canning workshops. “Laura and I decided to have free on-site canning demonstrations, and began by showing how to can apricots. That means people can eat locally grown fruit year round. In September we will have a Harvest Festival with samples and recipes on how to use different melons, etc., another on canning tomatoes and making salsa, and one to show how to can pears and prune plums and how to use squash. The last workshop will be on how to make apple juice, apple salsa and apple butter,” said Davison.

There’s also guided tours for all ages, group tours that can be arranged with three days’ notice, a program for five- to eight-year-olds to be a supervised farmer for a day, and birthday party packages.

Davison Orchards is known for its wide selection of apples that the Davisons have been growing since 1933. These can be purchased fresh and they also make fresh-pressed apple juice that is used in their butters and syrup.

The restaurant serves healthy meals using local foods and the bakery sells pies made with Davison Orchards’ fruit. There is also an on-site store where the juice, jams, jellies and preserves can be purchased.

Davison Orchards is open from May 1 until Thanksgiving. Visit the website at www.davisonorchards.ca. †

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GLUTEN-FREE LEMON SPONGE CAKE

7 eggs, separated

1 whole egg 1-1/2 c. sugar

Finely grated rind of 1 lemon

2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 c. potato starch (also called potato flour), sifted

Lemon Curd:

1/2 c. fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp. finely grated lemon peel

1/2 c. granulated sugar

2 tbsp. butter

3 eggs

Whipped Cream Frosting:

2 c. cold 35% cream

2-3 tbsp. icing sugar

1/3 c. reserved lemon curd

In a large grease-free stainless steel bowl, beat 7 egg whites until fairly stiff. Add sugar, gradually. Beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside. In a medium bowl, beat 7 egg yolks, 1 whole egg and lemon rind at medium speed for about 1 minute. Add lemon juice. Gently fold egg yolk-lemon mixture into egg whites. Sift over potato starch and gently fold in until no streaks remain. Pour into an ungreased tube pan and bake at 350 F for 50 to 60 minutes. Immediately invert cake pan and set edges on several soup cans until the cake is completely cool. Skipping this step will cause your cake to fall. Remove cake from pan, slice in half horizontally and fill with all but 1/3 cup lemon curd. Frost with lightly sweetened whipping cream.

To make Lemon Curd:In a saucepan, combine fresh lemon juice, peel, sugar and butter; bring to a boil. In small bowl, whisk eggs. Temper eggs by adding a bit of the hot mixture to the eggs. Whisk well. Add to lemon filling and stir until mixture boils and thickens. Transfer to a bowl and cool. Reserve 1/3 cup lemon curd for the frosting.

To make Whipped Cream Fro-sting:Whip cream and add icing sugar. Whip to soft peaks. Fold in 1/3 cup lemon curd. Frost cake.

JoanAireywritesfromRivers,Manitoba

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“The bed and breakfast compliments my almost full-time writing career. Over the years I have worked forGrainewswriting mostly for Cattlemen’s Corner and even served for a short time as editor for FarmLife. Now I write for other cattle magazines in Alberta and Saskatchewan,” said Warnyca.

Eden House was built in 1890 by James Conn who came to Indian Head from Ontario, planning to farm but instead started a lumber business. The Conns raised a family of 10 children in the home. John McKay rented it in 1931 moving from Assiniboia, and the McKay family lived in the house until 1944 when it was sold. At that time it was renovated to include the three apartment; one on the main floor and two upstairs.

“The renovation took its toll on the integrity of the house. The grand oak staircase was removed and the french doors were missing from between the living and dining room but the charm managed to survive; the original fireplace is still in pristine condition. It’s a coal fireplace and though the chimney is gone outside it is a work of art. The wooden wainscot around the living room also remains. What was the dining room is now my office and the drawing room is now a bedroom. I put in a wall with french

doors to divide the bedroom and the living room and the beautiful oak-sided windows still remain with stained glass tops,” said Warnyca.

The bed and breakfast part of the house is entered from a side door giving guests total privacy, and the two suites have their own air of bygone days. Before opening, Warnyca renovated the kitchens and bathrooms plus added a new coat of paint. Each suite has a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom furnished with antiques, and each bedroom contains a double and single bed. There is also cable TV and Internet.

“I open the yard to my guests complete with a barbecue. For breakfast I serve a variety of menus leaving them a continental breakfast in the fridge — yogurt, muffins or bagels, fruit. If anyone stays for a couple of days I will make egg frittatas or yogurt parfaits. The menu depends on the weather and the people’s likes,” said Warnyca.

Warnyca thought she would have clients that were in town for weddings, reunions and funerals but she has had guests from across Canada and the United States. A Manitoba couple comes a couple of times in golfing season, the nurse practitioner stays when she covers for the doctors on weekends. “Little Mosque on the Prairie” is filmed in Indian Head and some of the film crew stay each summer.

“My slogan is — ‘You won’t want to leave.’ I really enjoy hosting folks and making sure they are comfortable. This beautiful old brick house offers a ‘quiet,’ peaceful setting clients love,” said Warnyca.

Indian Head is surrounded by the historic Agroforestry and Shelterbelt Centre (formerly PFRA), the Bell Barn, a unique and historic landmark is nearby plus it’s 15 minutes from Katepwa Lake.

For further information on the area check out www.townofindianhead.com. You can contact Eden House at 306-695-3976.

JoanAireywritesfromRivers,Manitoba

———

The bed and breakfast part of the house is entered from a side door, giving guests total privacy.

The post A Dream Come True – for Sep. 6, 2010 appeared first on Grainews.

“Our sessions start with a ‘walk through’ in the company of our clients where they can point out things that have significant meaning and special memories. We shoot anywhere from 300 to 400 pictures, so there are lots to choose from. We gravitate towards the old and weathered, but if that isn’t the client’s preference, we can tailor to their likes. Each photograph in the package is one that can stand alone and can be used for prints, cards or calendars. Collectively in the book they are an artistic visual memory of days gone by. Nostalgia is bound to evoke emotion and they make wonderful gifts for aging parents, grandparents as well as siblings and upcoming generations,” said Kelly.

“We’re both pretty laid back and really enjoy working with people. Sometimes we have short deadlines and the client doesn’t realize the time involved in digital editing and putting the books together as well as the time to have the books printed and delivered. When you are working back and forth with feedback it can be trying, to get things done in a timely manner. Often it is hard for the client to choose which pictures they want included so the process can get drawn out,” said Kelly.

Kelly and Jess both enjoy the creative process of putting the book together but find holding the finished book in their hands the most rewarding.

“I really wish we had come up with the idea five years ago. It is such a wonderful way to celebrate a century on the farm and it seems like so many have reached that milestone in the past few years. There also have been a lot of farms that have left the family in the past few years. Many people who have sold their farms say they wish that they could have had something like this as a keepsake. Those who have purchased the land and buildings have no memories to protect so the old buildings and ‘junk’ have been disposed of,” said Kelly.

The Thorsons say don’t wait to record your farm history. Think about what you would like to record in your book. Are you looking for an artistic coffee table book, or more of a historical recording? If you have old homestead pictures or ancestors’ pictures you want included that can be done also.

“Sometimes people are a bit shy about having the ‘junk’ on their farm portrayed. I think there is a need to lose the embarrassment and revel in the memories of the picnics on the tailgate of the old pickup, the rides in the old wagon or the baths in the old washtub. These objects contain a lot of memories and that is what we hope to capture,” said Kelly.

Kelly was born into an oilfield family which made its home in Trinidad, India and Malta. In 1978 she received her diploma in agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan and along with her husband Jim, has been living the farm life while raising six children. In 1989, Kelly opened Ke-TGrafix, a graphics and sign shop, as a means of farm diversification. She also developed a keen interest in working with a centuries-old process on glass and has started a second venture, Las Mountain glassworks.

Jess, after graduating with a psychology degree, immediately started saving up for her first DSLR camera. Jessie and her husband Rodney decided to make their home in a rural setting near Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She operates her own business Ruby Blue Photography.

Kelly and Jess find their interest in people, cultures, as well as art, architecture and nature are a fitting compliment to their passion for photography. Check out their website at www.farmphotography.ca.

Joan Airey writes from Rivers, Manitoba

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Cindy Buryn started ADDVentures about 14 years ago near Grande Prairie, Alberta. It started with a week camp for kids, then friends, and parents of those children asked her why she didn’t do more camps. She started ADDVentures on horseback which grew each year until she moved to Vernon, B. C. When Cindy met her husband, Russ, they searched the Vernon area for the right place to have a trail-riding camp and other horseback adventures for kids. Their goal was to find enough land (40 acres) to support such a venture, which was in close proximity to Crown land, a view of Lake Okanagan and many easily accessible trails for all types of riding as well as something suitable for wagon rides. Numerous sidelines include llama and alpaca trekking and accommodating school trips.

“The biggest challenge was stepping out of the so-called working world and making the change going solo, so to speak, by creating a business first with horses and kids. The other animals came after I married Russ. He had the goats, sheep and llamas for his twin girls as pets. Then his daughters, my horses and his animals became a family, not realizing we were extending our business at the time. Since then, we’ve added alpacas, mini donkeys and horses, a Highland cow which is about to calf, rabbits, ducks, chickens, two dogs, five cats, and two chinchillas Moonlight and Angel,” said Cindy.

The Buryns are working at creating an opportunity for people to come and experience ranch life with a twist — the petting zoo. It gives people a chance to get to know country life. They find it a challenge keeping it going and Russ is considering taking on work elsewhere off season to fill in the slow times. They are working on an online business with the ranch products as well as to create more interest in what goes on at the ranch.

“The most rewarding part of having the ranch is seeing the kids and adults enjoying what we have and seeing those kids come through a week of camp and leaving with more confidence. I’m also a last resort for some when it comes to healing horses and other animals as I use homeopathic remedies. Some of the horses are still here with us because they no longer fit into what their original purpose was, for the previous owner,” said Cindy.

“The toughest part of this business is when you lose animals, especially when they have been part of your lives for a long time. Russ and I both lost the first horses we owned. January 2008 I lost Ladd, a Morgan horse that I had before I started in the business. Russ’s horse was 33, a good age for a horse. I think those were the toughest times — coming to terms with the death of animals — as they were part of our family,” said Cindy.

The best advice Cindy says she can give anyone starting this type of business is to have lots of money. Then take on the challenge to create what you want but be prepared to be on call 24/7 as well as be your own vet for the most part.

“When I started with the horses, a young gal told me, to succeed in this business pay for things as you go. Don’t borrow for this business as it takes awhile to create a secure income, and it’s true. I have not borrowed to build my horse business and it has taken quite awhile for it to grow especially moving it from one province to another,” said Cindy.

End of Trails Ranch has grown. Besides working with the people who home-school in the Vernon area, the Buryns have other schools visit the ranch for the day. The children learn how to feed the animals, how the llamas and alpacas are sheared and how to ride a horse. They customize trail rides to suit the riders they are escorting. The ranch is open year round and has had groups up for retreats/team building, families just wanting to go riding together, tourists from all over the world, birthday parties and those who are just curious.

Cindy can be reached at adv horse@gmail.comor 1-877-309-6551.

Joan Airey writes from Rivers, Manitoba

The post The Ranch At The End Of The Trail appeared first on Grainews.

“My professional background is in food services and catering. When our young family moved from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Okotoks, Alberta, I was without a job and looking to continue my career in the food industry. With the great response to my specialties at the school bake sale, I decided to test market more products at the local farmers’ market. Once again I had great success. After receiving many awards for the product and great support from Alberta Agriculture and Alberta Food Processors, Davenport’s Tasty Sensations was well on its way,” said Davenport.

Davenport rents a local community kitchen to prepare her product. She produces most of the products herself, but with the growth of the business has hired part-time staff to help in the busy season of September to December. To keep production and capital expenses down, she has contracted out a few of her recipes to assist in production.

“My main goal is to produce in small batches to maintain quality and to ship the freshest product possible using the freshest ingredients. With 50 per cent of the business being wholesale this is a top priority. The products are shipped across Canada not only for wholesale; I also have convenient online shopping with the PayPal option. Shipping to U. S. and overseas is also available,” said Davenport.

Davenport makes a variety of products such as Cowboy Crunch, Rocky Road Bark, Milk Chocolate Ju Jubes, Roasted Soya Nuts which is a healthy gluten-free snack, and Santa Fe Mix to name a few.

“My No. 1 piece of advice to anyone starting a business is to have passion, love what you do and have fun doing it. My business has allowed me the opportunity to travel with my sisters. We have done craft and trade shows from Vancouver Island to Toronto, fancy food and candy shows in New York, Chicago and San Francisco. My husband Greg keeps meticulous records for the business and our three children help with production, packaging, shipping and direct sales,” said Davenport.

“If I could change one thing it would be the 80-20 rule. We do 80 per cent of our business in the last 20 per cent of the year. But that’s impossible to change,” said Davenport.

Davenport’s Tasty Sensations is a family affair based in the foothills of Alberta. They all pitch in for everything from perfecting recipes to buying ingredients to cooking and packaging the products. Check out the web-site at www.davenportsensations.com.

Joan Airey writes from Rivers, Manitoba

The post From Bake Sale To Home Business appeared first on Grainews.

I taught creative cooking to a group of 4-H’ers. We made the Lemon Roasted Greek Potatoes and they were a hit.

COWBOY FRIES

1/4 c. melted butter

3 tbsp. ketchup

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. brown sugar

1/4 tsp. garlic powder Pinch of salt and pepper 4 large potatoes

Peel and cut potatoes into french fries. Stir above ingredients in a bowl. Add potatoes until totally covered with sauce. Using a slotted spoon, place potatoes on cookie sheet covered with tinfoil. Bake at 425F for 50 minutes or until soft.

OVEN FRIES

4 large baking potatoes

1 tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. salt

Scrub potatoes and cut into long wedges or strips about 1/2 inch thick. Combine olive oil, garlic powder and salt in a large bowl. Add potatoes and toss to coat. Place potato wedges on large, lightly oiled cookie sheet. Bake in 425F oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, turn potatoes and return to oven for another 15 to 25 minutes.

LEMON ROASTED GREEK POTATOES

6 large potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges

1 tbsp. dried oregano

2 tbsp. olive oil Seasoning:

1-1/2 tbsp. seasoning salt

2 tbsp. powdered chicken soup base

1-1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tbsp. sugar

Sprinkle of pepper 1-1/2 c. hot water

1/4 c. fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350F. Put potatoes into a large glass baking dish and sprinkle with oregano and olive oil. Mix dried seasonings in a bowl. Add the hot water and stir. Add the lemon juice and stir again. Pour the seasoning mixture over the potatoes and mix until all the potatoes have been covered with the seasoning liquid. Bake for a total of 60 to 75 minutes. After 30 minutes of cooking time, turn the darker potatoes over. Bake for the remaining 30 to 45 minutes. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes to cool before serving.

Joan Airey writes from Rivers, Manitoba

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“Growing up in ranching country I learned about Prairie life and what it means to be a country girl. My dad taught me how to ride and eventually how to break horses as well as rope sick calves, cows and bulls, then treat them for their illness. I also learned how to harness a team of horses plus trim their feet and shoe them. We looked after patrons’ cattle from May to October each year and the PFRA bulls for the winter months. In our spare time, we would team rope. I was a header,” said Hammel.

Hammel has been drawing since she was a young girl using what she saw and learned as a hired hand on a PFRA pasture. She has been showing and selling her work since 1999.

“I took art classes throughout high school from an excellent art teacher, Bonnie Deis. After I finished school I continued to learn on my own. I pay close attention to proportion and detail in my drawings. My work is all done freehand form, which means I don’t graph, thumbnail or trace any of my drawings,” said Hammel.

Hammel’s artwork is mostly pencil sketches. She sells limited edition prints along with her originals. Most of her work is western and wildlife but she has done buildings, farmyards, gas wells and rigs. She also does a lot of custom work for people.

“I spend most of my time preparing for and travelling to gift and craft shows that take place all year long across Canada. I mat and frame my prints myself. The frames I buy from a gallery in Swift Current,” said Hammel.

Hammel is internationally known, having her work in Holland, England, Japan, Germany

and the United States. She makes calendars along with stationery, magnets, T-shirts and greeting cards every year featuring her artwork. Her 10-year-old daughter, Jessica enjoys going to shows and helping her mom when she can.

Hammel promotes her artwork on her website www.sheilas-art.com. She makes her home in the country near Sceptre, Saskatchewan near to where she finds many subjects for her artwork.

Joan Airey writes from Rivers, Manitoba

The post Saskatchewan Woman Creates Lifelike Art appeared first on Grainews.

“I live where there is an abundance of open country, prairie, poplar and willow bluffs, sloughs and small muddy lakes, which provide an environment teeming with wildlife activity. Deer, foxes and coyotes have always been common sightings, but in recent years we have witnessed moose, beavers, cougars and heard reports of wolves and even a wolverine moving into our area,” said Cardiff.

Brenda and her husband live on his family’s homestead where they farm grain, and which has a spectacular view of the hills from their kitchen window.

“Nature’s beauty is found in the most amazing places; if we slow down, and take time to enjoy the simple things in life. We’re in the land of living skies, thunderstorms, funnel clouds, lightning, sunsets which can be captured in a photograph,” said Cardiff.

A few years ago Cardiff bought her first digital camera and has also invested in new photography equipment including a tele -photo lens for shooting wildlife close up.

“I love to create things through drawing, doodling, painting, etc. Photography seems to have become a way in which I can express my creative side. I enjoy editing photographs to create different effects and I have been taking photography classes at SIAST in Regina. The more you learn, the more advanced lenses and cameras you want,” said Cardiff.

“Family and friends have encouraged me to take my photography to craft and trade shows. I really enjoy the personal contact with people there and everyone has a story to share. Sales of my work mean I can invest in more photography equipment,” said Cardiff.

“One of my favourite photographs is three moose trotting down our grid road towards our son who was driving home. It was a random shot. I was lucky to be there at that moment or I would have missed it. It pays to take your camera everywhere,” said Cardiff.

Cardiff has displayed her photography at The Whistle Stop Christmas Craft Sale in Moose Jaw and businesses in Duval and Strasbourg have it on display for sale. Cardiff can be reached via e-mail at ecardiff@aski.caor by phone at 1-306-484-4413.

Joan Airey writes from Rivers, Manitoba

The post Creativity Expressed Through Photography – for Feb. 9, 2009 appeared first on Grainews.