tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10920298654495720372024-02-20T08:04:57.853-08:00Thoughtful ProvenanceEvins MillEvins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-33787401572312608392017-09-20T13:39:00.000-07:002017-09-24T08:51:46.751-07:00Quarter Spring Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In case you did not know the way to a chef's heart, it is through his stomach. A chef is always knee deep in organized chaos and if not, soon will be. Often, it is hard to take a few minutes to stop what you are doing and focus on something new. Well, JB with Quarter Spring Farm has first hand knowledge of this having done his time in restaurants. JB brings me one of his all natural, whole chickens and just says to try it. No long conversation I do not have time for, no complicated ordering process to go through, "just try it, let me know". What he knew was that once I tried it, I would take the time to find out about ordering, price, and those other necessary, but boring details. The chicken spoke for itself you could say.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">JB and his wife, Heather Bradley are the master minds and backs behind the delicious, pasture-raised, all natural chicken from Liberty, Tennessee. It does not stop at chicken either. The unique and old favorite produce has been an added bonus to tag onto a bird order. I must mention the Mexican sweet gherkins as probably one of the most popular items we have ever served in my 15 years here. They look like the world's smallest watermelon! The guests loved them, and they were not just cute but tasty too. I am just glad I did not have to pick them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can find Quarter Spring Farm at the Nashville Farmer's Market and the Rutherford County Farmer's Market with not only chickens, but produce, eggs, and goat milk soap! <a href="http://eastnashvillemarket.com/2015/09/quarter-spring-farm-pasture-raised-all-natural-chicken/" target="_blank">The Nashville Farmer's market did a very nice story on our new friends. </a> You can get all the "juicy" details about them there or on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/quarterspringfarm/" target="_blank">facebook page.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have been using their whole broilers on our Stonehaus wine tasting dinner in the past couple of weeks, as well as, lunches for several of our corporate clients. There will be more local chicken dinners to come and JB has planted the seed so to speak about the fall garden that is on its way too. We look forward to a tasty, healthful relationship with Quarter Spring Farm for a long time to come. </span> </div>
Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-30405608040262379712017-02-07T09:15:00.002-08:002017-02-08T20:47:00.315-08:00Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyibNQDfUvHgegy26ZjZJJPJtfgVi-3KDp2yIGcVzasMFlDVL3u_q5C0E0vHn4TTMHMQOWb0qKkPRa_Rc6NrQVh8BEEUXHyR3oXrNhMNyybeZGbTE2HHKWub0g5UKOCK8_BJPcMRs_soSu/s1600/Norwood-out3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyibNQDfUvHgegy26ZjZJJPJtfgVi-3KDp2yIGcVzasMFlDVL3u_q5C0E0vHn4TTMHMQOWb0qKkPRa_Rc6NrQVh8BEEUXHyR3oXrNhMNyybeZGbTE2HHKWub0g5UKOCK8_BJPcMRs_soSu/s200/Norwood-out3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There is obviously much to love about Evins Mill and its neighborhood for me to have passionately stayed around to create in the kitchen for the last, almost fifteen years. I must say that I do often daydream of the days traveling the world and trying foods and flavors that open your mouth and soul to brand new experiences. Luckily, these days you can order just about anything from around the world and have it to play with here in middle Tennessee. But some foods do not travel so well. Artisan cheese would have to be one of these. I have so many wonderful memories of the European, New Zealand, and Tasmanian cheeses paired with simple local produce, bread, and wine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is my good fortune, and yours, that Evins Mill now carries a growing variety of<a href="http://kennyscheese.com/" target="_blank"> Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese!</a> We happened upon Kenny's cheese through one of our other local partners, Northfield Vineyard. We purchased some, and now we're hooked! After a little research and figuring out the best way to get it here from Austin, Kentucky, we now have a variety of different styles and flavors of Kenny's cheese.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9zFfOhuw2OqYLhpxlughl-3BlI2kTpcZTrInKsiwRQQrcKtMnGb4wmSSjr-VEWIM130baF2mC8oW4hMiI4LY2df0Ep927sb_vsW3jBJ2cLasD6NiOoQE3ZjW1fTiugfNyewGoSo02eee/s1600/Barren-County-Bleu-out3-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9zFfOhuw2OqYLhpxlughl-3BlI2kTpcZTrInKsiwRQQrcKtMnGb4wmSSjr-VEWIM130baF2mC8oW4hMiI4LY2df0Ep927sb_vsW3jBJ2cLasD6NiOoQE3ZjW1fTiugfNyewGoSo02eee/s200/Barren-County-Bleu-out3-copy.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I will not be able to adequately list and describe the two dozen varieties of cheese they offer, but I can say that we have the Nena, Barren County Blue, Kentucky Blue, Brie, Kentucky Rose, Reserve Cheddar - and that they are each unique and amazing. <a href="http://kennyscheese.com/" target="_blank">Kenny's website</a> is beautiful and informative, with a full list of their cheeses with descriptions, beverage pairings, and information about the beginnings and the care that goes into creating the perfect milk and then cheese. It is clear that the only thing easy about the process is our getting to enjoy this fabulous cheese.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb6LzoUZaPY11RG27zKXJR2EAyJuIIxAMs6PHBTeVvnAUgJYoJri-ONdlIZi0SS2T8GqiYEa33etiRHUvtYIUqJaVw05lYir1pJOImLxLRMxttx-gwXXIdTQMvf0l_lTu6vQot-DhGtkl/s1600/KyRose-out3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb6LzoUZaPY11RG27zKXJR2EAyJuIIxAMs6PHBTeVvnAUgJYoJri-ONdlIZi0SS2T8GqiYEa33etiRHUvtYIUqJaVw05lYir1pJOImLxLRMxttx-gwXXIdTQMvf0l_lTu6vQot-DhGtkl/s200/KyRose-out3.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We will be offering up our new found goodies on salads, cheese boards, and the like. Please take a look at <a href="http://kennyscheese.com/" target="_blank">Kenny's Farmhouse Cheese</a>, order some cheese, and come see me at Evins Mill smiling and daydreaming a little less now that we have some of the best cheese around!</span></div>
Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-82527129566678071172016-11-16T07:46:00.001-08:002016-12-15T10:49:54.156-08:00SPEAKeasy Spirits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As we near the holiday season and the chill in the air that comes with it, it is time to cozy up to the fireplace with a celebratory beverage. Our featured partner for this post is becoming a regular around the Mill in aiding with the celebration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.speakeasyspiritsdistillery.com/#about-us" target="_blank">SPEAKeasy Spirits</a> has been distilling their fine products in Nashville since 2011, including Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream and <a href="http://www.pickersvodka.com/home/" target="_blank">Pickers Vodka</a>, recently featured in a recipe we posted for our <a href="http://evinsmillcuisine.blogspot.com/2016/10/headless-horseman.html" target="_blank">Headless Horseman.</a> Pickers also comes in several flavors to mix it up occasionally. The Pickers Original is wonderfully smooth all by itself, and is also a fantastic canvas to brush your favorite flavors on. We will be playing with cranberries, spices and pomegranate in the coming weeks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While these guys are producing spirits of the highest quality, their products are not ones you have to save up for all year to buy - and that is something to celebrate! <a href="http://www.speakeasyspiritsdistillery.com/#about-us" target="_blank">SPEAKeasy</a> also uses non GMO, Tennessee corn in their vodka, uses a hot water recycling process in their production, and also uses the stillage (byproduct) to feed local farm animals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It never gets old seeing folks doing something the right way, and not just the easy way. Welcome to Evins Mill <a href="http://www.speakeasyspiritsdistillery.com/#about-us" target="_blank">SPEAKeasy!</a> Gather round the fire and stay a while, and thank you for helping our guests relax and celebrate all year.</span></div>
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<br />Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-65175112672123677182016-09-02T12:32:00.001-07:002016-09-12T07:42:34.325-07:00Northfield Vineyards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4PkcJyLRSIaLvWbrOHV3PBETyeN7Mqgwdwsk_ZBflqsnTYF2YU7vxqYctkQ3b8f0hYG2zN8hzsQ7J3kQiGym7YSbHv2El0um8O8jeZ6gxOYfubz9WxxGn9AlfmWShVxXvpC-mebHyvOA/s1600/bertRube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4PkcJyLRSIaLvWbrOHV3PBETyeN7Mqgwdwsk_ZBflqsnTYF2YU7vxqYctkQ3b8f0hYG2zN8hzsQ7J3kQiGym7YSbHv2El0um8O8jeZ6gxOYfubz9WxxGn9AlfmWShVxXvpC-mebHyvOA/s320/bertRube.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We recently had the pleasure of touring a new Tennessee winery - and tasting some of its wares. <a href="http://www.northfieldvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Northfield Vineyards</a> is located near Sparta, just a thirty minute drive from Evins Mill - a beautiful country drive with a prize at the end!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am not sure I can put the words down to describe Mark Ray, owner of <a href="http://www.northfieldvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Northfield Vineyards</a>. Mark starts out as a "good ol' boy" in all the right ways, then takes all your preconceived ideas of drinking and wine making and gives you no choice other than to change your ways. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mark has taken fruits like cranberries, blackberries, muscadines, and rhubarb and turned them into wine that...well, (as they say around here) makes your tongue slap your face. I am not a sweet wine drinker but was blown away by the flavors of Mark's wines. The Northfield selections do not lead with sugar and follow with fruit - they are fruit forward, in your face juicy. There are sweet and dry ones, all to my surprise pleasing to a suspicious pallet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mark's wine making started out with picking muscadines for his "Granny" to eat, which eventually led to a five gallon bucket of the "worst stuff ever" according to Mark. After a few classes, patience, prodding, love, and determination, he has it right. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mark and family should be proud of their creations. They have a store front at the winery for you to shop and sample their wine. You can only get <a href="http://www.northfieldvineyards.com/wine.html" target="_blank">Northfield wines</a> on site or in select locations, so this really is a well kept secret ...for now! Visiting Northfield will be another great activity to be enjoyed when at Evins Mill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As always, when we highlight a new friend, we will be serving their wares at Evins Mill -Northfield's wine will be available by the bottle. We are also working on some wine-cocktail, spritzer ideas. These wines are wonderful on their own as a porch pounder, pare up well with food, make a nice after dinner course, or mix well with a prosecco for a wine spritzer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thanks <a href="http://www.northfieldvineyards.com/contact.php" target="_blank">Northfield</a> for being our partner! It is both fun and an honor to feature your wine.</span></div>
Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-49337485385962180062016-05-24T14:16:00.000-07:002016-05-25T15:48:07.699-07:00A Trip Down Harmony Lane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Julie David of <a href="http://harmonylanegoats.com/our-store.html" target="_blank">Harmony Lane</a> has a quote on her website that I like..."Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony". Julie's definition of happiness reminds me of one of my favorite words, "integrity". We might just be on to something when we find ourselves living out happiness and integrity in our daily lives. My family and I were able to witness this first hand recently on a tour of <a href="http://harmonylanegoats.com/our-store.html" target="_blank">Harmony Lane Farm and Creamery</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://harmonylanegoats.com/our-store.html" target="_blank">Harmony Lane</a> is our newest family member to the ever growing tree of Thoughtful Provence. We are now purchasing our chevre from the David's and are so excited. First of all, they are local, right here in Smithville! They also seem to know just a little bit about goats, and milking, and making cheese (insert sarcasm); oh the cheese, it is amazing! I could live on cheese alone for those who do not know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Julie and Mark are relatively new in the business, but have left no detail out in running a beautiful farm that is officially a Grade A dairy. On our visit, we toured the milking and cheese making facilities, pastures with all sorts of animals, and even got to try our hand at feeding the kids bottles and hand milking Zora (thanks Zora, you are quite the lady). We also learned so much about what goes into making the cheese that we so often take for granted. Goats do not take a day off by the way in case you were on the fence about doing this yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can read all about the Davids and how they started on their <a href="http://harmonylanegoats.com/our-store.html" target="_blank">website</a>, but I certainly recommend the farm tour which they can do with a reservation. This might be a nice add on to your next visit to the Mill! We will be using the chevre, but they also have soaps, ground beef and pork sausage that are produced and can be purchased right on the farm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A big thank you Julie for the wonderful tour; our kids (children) loved playing with your kids (baby goats) and learning to milk for the first time. <a href="http://harmonylanegoats.com/our-store.html" target="_blank">Harmony Lane</a> certainly fits in nicely with all of our partners in food here at Evins Mill. Passionate folks being intentional and creative. Look for the chevre on you next visit to our table! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; position: relative;">“</span><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; position: relative;">Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony” </span></span></span></span></div>
Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-78676705538658965532016-02-23T11:40:00.002-08:002016-02-23T15:27:02.044-08:00Not Just a "Cuppa Joe"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZnysBApxFR4rsrPie7gVwN-P8qIyN-nYfxC8ILDLkgyPjQH6jLIndu9DTnxFBs21sr8uwCvb2UO4nnGOfdo9wdwvMtqTNhk0ZnaSUi4-iFmrTUa5VNk4I48iCDeAAzepeFwC61uE4d00/s1600/coffee+roasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZnysBApxFR4rsrPie7gVwN-P8qIyN-nYfxC8ILDLkgyPjQH6jLIndu9DTnxFBs21sr8uwCvb2UO4nnGOfdo9wdwvMtqTNhk0ZnaSUi4-iFmrTUa5VNk4I48iCDeAAzepeFwC61uE4d00/s320/coffee+roasting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Coffee for me has not always been a way of life. You could say I married into it about 12 years ago when it was practically part of my wedding vows. In that time, I have went from drinking it white and sweet to straight up black. You could say that I am somewhat dependent on it; that makes my other half proud! This family dependency and our goal of serving the best of everything food and beverage here at the Mill leads me to our latest featured family member of "Thoughtful Provenance".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I met Courtney and Brian Hicks a few years ago as guests of Evins Mill. We were saying our goodbyes when they mentioned they were in the coffee roasting business, <a href="http://humphreysstreetcoffeeco.com/" target="_blank">Humphrey Street Coffee Co. </a>They agreed to send some samples and and before long we were serving their amazing coffee. Sounds easy, right? Well it was an easy decision. It turns out that they had a great product; wonderful coffees that were responsibly sourced, sustainably grown, and roasted locally. What made it an even easier decision was that they had a bigger goal in mind than just making great coffee (as if that were easy).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You see, <a href="http://humphreysstreetcoffeeco.com/" target="_blank">Humphrey Street Coffee Co</a>. is a social enterprise of <a href="http://www.harvesthandscdc.com/" target="_blank">Harvest Hands </a>Community Development which offers youth in Nashville the opportunity to be employed and mentored in their own community using the craft of roasting coffee. They seek to make a change by teaching and mentoring the students with important work, life, and craft skills that help encourage them to live into who they are created to be. There is nothing to not like about this; yes, it was an easy decision.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We are proud of our partnership with <a href="http://humphreysstreetcoffeeco.com/" target="_blank">Humphrey Street</a> and <a href="http://www.harvesthandscdc.com/" target="_blank">Harvest Hands</a>. They exemplify living intentionally, doing their job on purpose, with a purpose and that is a quality that we seek to provide in our service here at Evins Mill. When we can partner with folks who share this, it is a win for everyone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We hope to have these guys out to do a coffee tasting in the fall, so keep an eye out for that! Until then, you can enjoy their coffee here at the Mill anytime or visit them in Nashville. You can read all about them, watch videos, or learn how you can help on their <a href="http://humphreysstreetcoffeeco.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and follow them through all the social media outlets as well. They truly are more than just a "Cuppa Joe". <a href="http://humphreysstreetcoffeeco.com/" target="_blank">Drink good coffee for a change!</a></span></div>
Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-58954016947927110372015-08-03T14:12:00.001-07:002015-08-19T05:48:01.740-07:00Southern Natural Foods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi0O2Z3RhAUCHaqt2aPwhbbtHYth4CDIh44YtAkl69sBUjFzZ3dHUJMtbD4BTRz7GLy1D50kzU5vlcI5g1kUebP0VIxdlFpVb_JF8fWI6BdOTMRApfgv8wPolN3eMhvaB5kJ8jAE5YZMv/s1600/southern+natural+foods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi0O2Z3RhAUCHaqt2aPwhbbtHYth4CDIh44YtAkl69sBUjFzZ3dHUJMtbD4BTRz7GLy1D50kzU5vlcI5g1kUebP0VIxdlFpVb_JF8fWI6BdOTMRApfgv8wPolN3eMhvaB5kJ8jAE5YZMv/s400/southern+natural+foods.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nothing says summer like a steak on the grill! Lucky for me, I get to see a lot of both during the busy summer season. I love the change of the seasons in thinking about meals to prepare, but summer has to be in the top four (that was supposed to be funny, I think the heat in the kitchen is getting to me)! I do love the variety of garden vegetables and fruits that are only good this time of year. Summer has a distinct taste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Back to that steak! We have a new friend I want to share with you, and that is <a href="http://southernnaturalfoods.com/home" target="_blank">Southern Natural Foods</a>. I had the pleasure of getting to play with a few samples of their beef and pork a few months ago; they are special to say the least. We served their rib eyes and strip steaks at our Bluegrass Cookout back on the 4th of July to rave reviews (and it was not just my cooking). They are everything you would expect from an all natural, locally raised, sustain-ably farmed product.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am very impressed with not just the quality, but also the supply. They have had what I needed and when, and delivered fresh...yes, fresh! This is almost unheard of in beef from local farms. This is key for me in trying to feed the variety of events from weddings to corporate retreats to an anniversary couple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://southernnaturalfoods.com/home" target="_blank">Southern Natural Foods</a> also offers DNA trace-ability, so that you can trace your meal back to the very farm it came from; very cool. These guys have taken all the steps you need to take to create a one of a kind product and went even further to ensure you are eating the best. I have said it before, but starting with the best ingredients makes my job a whole lot easier. There is a ton of information on their website <a href="http://southernnaturalfoods.com/home" target="_blank"> http://southernnaturalfoods.com/hom</a>e Check it out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Evins Mill will give you your next opportunity to try their beef at our Stonehaus Wine Tasting, Harvest Cookout. This will be August 22nd and will be a cookout style menu with loads of steaks off the CHARCOAL grill, local veggie salads and sides, local fruit cobbler with homemade ice cream...yeah, you better come! Have a great rest of the summer.</span></div>
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<br />Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-91849173645054992922015-05-13T12:09:00.000-07:002015-05-15T10:43:44.924-07:00Turner & Sons Nursery and Produce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw8LzW0Cf7q7BAxZdm0vW_EVSbFKvRyuVJOGR7XU6oSTjoZICLGFas5OS9PAW0KenTbz7R3-_UxRTzK5CbsnV1UBF6xb39_epFngFfS9-eByvVD4FbjF62kGQACX3YDfMO8yclKVOx4Wo/s1600/turner+berries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw8LzW0Cf7q7BAxZdm0vW_EVSbFKvRyuVJOGR7XU6oSTjoZICLGFas5OS9PAW0KenTbz7R3-_UxRTzK5CbsnV1UBF6xb39_epFngFfS9-eByvVD4FbjF62kGQACX3YDfMO8yclKVOx4Wo/s320/turner+berries.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tennessee is not usually the first place that comes to mind when talking about sourcing fresh fruit. We certainly do not produce the quantity that maybe a California or Florida does, but we do produce, and at a quality second to none.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you were at Evins Mill for Mother's Day brunch, you will know what I am referring to. It is strawberry season! Our latest partner in procuring fresh ingredients is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TurnerandSons/timeline" target="_blank">Turner and Sons Nursery and Produce</a>. These guys are located on Hwy. 56 about half way between Smithville and McMinnville. They are a nursery specializing in fruit trees, but also bring in a healthy amount of fresh fruit and produce that you can purchase at the nursery or the Warren Co. Farmers Market.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you were one of the few that missed Mother's Day Brunch, we will have another opportunity for you to taste these berries at our Memorial Day Cookout in a warm cobbler. Turner will also have blackberries, peaches, muscadines, apples, pumpkins, and much more as the season progresses. We plan on keeping up with the latest and will make sure we get our hands on more of these delicious fruits to share with you at our table. You can also check these guys out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TurnerandSons/timeline" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and get some for your own table! Thanks John and Terri!</span></div>
Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-38279199677785329832015-02-26T15:51:00.000-08:002015-03-02T07:11:40.573-08:00Spring!...Are We There Yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUidYQiJbjUjZt1zDWPaVdnQVFOBylY9-6TFYVtXDccwmDyZjM6guUlwgzIXQWOGVN0JiYqUvOLGXlDHNMb1TdzYy4k_bcWiM4_Ij47ENR2j7SyfpaJGRKS844OlZ_h9rBkxBRjPy1GURM/s1600/blog+seeds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUidYQiJbjUjZt1zDWPaVdnQVFOBylY9-6TFYVtXDccwmDyZjM6guUlwgzIXQWOGVN0JiYqUvOLGXlDHNMb1TdzYy4k_bcWiM4_Ij47ENR2j7SyfpaJGRKS844OlZ_h9rBkxBRjPy1GURM/s1600/blog+seeds.JPG" height="237" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That seems to be the feeling of most here around the Mill and throughout middle Tennessee. Spring is still the next season...right? I hope it is because I have received all of my garden seed for this year! Don't get me wrong, I do love a little snow on the hemlocks as I look out of my kitchen here, but I thought we could all use a little glimpse of hope, a ray of sunshine, a daydream of what must be just around the corner of this cold, grey, snowy, icy winter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wanted to share a little ritual of mine that always energizes me and gets my attention focused on the warmer, dirtier days ahead. I love to go through all of my seed packs with their colorful pictures, and detailed descriptions and plan who is going to get planted when and where. I love to divvy them all out into different piles just as I did with baseball cards as a kid. I can almost taste those first greens and snow peas as I sort them into the different categories! Here is a list of what the Evins Mill garden is hoping to fruit this Spring...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Flashy Butter Gem Lettuce, Mizuna Red Streaks, Corn Salad Dutch, Lollo Rossa Lettuce, Cimmaron Lettuce, Parris Island Cos Lettuce, Merlot Lettuce, Brune D'Hiver Lettuce, Mascara Lettuce, Scarlet Kale, Salad Brunet, Lau's Pointed Leaf Lettuce, Tatsoi, Bronze Beauty Lettuce, Grandpa Admire's Lettuce, Sugar Snap Pea, Arugula, Tom Thumb Lettuce, German Giant Radish, Devil's Ear Lettuce, Oregon Sugar Pod, Extra Dwarf Pak Choy, Amish Deer Tongue and many more</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope this helps get you over the Winter blues like it does me. You can even try getting yourself a few packs of seed! If all goes well, and Spring really does eventually get here then our dreams will begin to come true by the middle of April. Happy almost Spring everyone! Hope to see you soon at the Mill.</span></div>
Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-56990968328848540242014-12-04T12:44:00.005-08:002014-12-08T15:16:26.802-08:00Three Forks Chicken Ranch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSQCU0cz7Fffv07M_HDMSLl3vuY9oi11IsHestScsQzH1-3yExlaXcBsWUHtQT6pB2lS_dpvY2ePWXDM_ypqf5yrZ5xD9Q9AWrxz2Vf5OOa6Zm1rS9vPyQCLZLh0FnUP1b6hh_CECn8F7/s1600/ThreeForksChicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSQCU0cz7Fffv07M_HDMSLl3vuY9oi11IsHestScsQzH1-3yExlaXcBsWUHtQT6pB2lS_dpvY2ePWXDM_ypqf5yrZ5xD9Q9AWrxz2Vf5OOa6Zm1rS9vPyQCLZLh0FnUP1b6hh_CECn8F7/s1600/ThreeForksChicken.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think the photo above just about sums up the phrase "free range chicken." Tracy with </span><a href="http://www.threeforkscattlecompany.com/index.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Three Forks Chicken Ranch</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> sums up her free range chicken as "tasty." That was the word I kept hearing when I first spoke with Tracy about partnering up with Evins Mill in our on-going adventure in preparing and serving sustainably raised food. Maybe I had skipped lunch and that is just what I kept hearing in my mind, but either way it panned out to be an accurate description. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We prepared the chicken breast with some of our sour apple, dried fruit stuffing and it was love at first site. The chicken is noticeably not from the grocery store with up to 10% water added. It has a flavor that I can only describe as "the good ole days" and tastes like chicken...(bet you have not heard that one before), but like chicken used to taste before we took all the flavor out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Located in Pall Mall, Tennessee, Three Forks Chicken Ranch first began as a cattle farm (Three Forks Cattle Ranch) in 2003. Tracy and her husband Brad started there raising cattle and have now taken on 20,000 chicks in their first year of meat chicken production. A couple of the issues with serving free range chicken from a restaurants point of view is acquiring a steady supply and at a price that it can be prepared and resold without losing money. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">W</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">ith its ability to raise a fairly large number of birds in a free range environment - and their technique of allowing the birds to put on a little more weight instead of slaughtering as soon as they are old enough, Three Forks has kept the supply there and at a very competitive price. For more history and details about our new friends, check out their website, </span><a href="http://www.threeforkscattlecompany.com/index.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Three Forks Cattle Ranch.</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Tracy also has a blog called </span><a href="http://reallivesoffarmwives.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Real Lives of Farm Wives</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am very excited to "play" with such wonderful food. I have said it before, but so much inspiration for cooking can be found in the food itself, and to play in such a naturally beautiful place as Evins Mill is the making for delicious meals all the day long. Look for Three Forks chicken on weekends this winter! Hope to see you soon.</span> </div>
<br />Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-84035100335591603492014-09-30T18:48:00.000-07:002014-10-06T06:44:19.880-07:00The Harvest is In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAMLwMS6jSy7RpJ9MhuylR53a0TdeQ3eFnTz5VMKc3kNgwBCMsqiWM2nkfZveFd_1DpA7gu76NSCg-sQbL5_9-1yWBFnnoGU8wLK8Wsuo0XbWXjp9lxXSZpme_-eyiS9_UQqUn-LkhbOY/s1600/IMG_4947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAMLwMS6jSy7RpJ9MhuylR53a0TdeQ3eFnTz5VMKc3kNgwBCMsqiWM2nkfZveFd_1DpA7gu76NSCg-sQbL5_9-1yWBFnnoGU8wLK8Wsuo0XbWXjp9lxXSZpme_-eyiS9_UQqUn-LkhbOY/s1600/IMG_4947.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The harvest moon has come and gone, the leaves are showing off their technicolor transformation, the sun is sleeping in and going to bed early, and I find myself, without a struggle, slipping into a new season of ingredients. As we hike through Fall, I thought it might be nice to conclude our prime growing season with a sort of annual report from the Evins Mill Garden. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are still a few odds and ends basking in the warm days and cooler nights, but for the most part, the harvest is in. I would probably not be writing a report on the garden had we not been very successful, but it just so happens we had our best year to date. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Results like this year can trick you into thinking you have a clue about gardening, but I think the recipe was something more like a pound of great weather, with a dash of hard work, a tablespoon of planning, and powers greater than myself mixing it all together. Below is a list of the bounty and what types of menu items each ended up in.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">salad greens...22 gallons, lunch and dinner salads </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">snow peas...15 pints, dinner side, lunch salads</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">cucumbers...150 pounds! several varieties of pickles for all winter long!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">green onion...16 bunches, salads, dressings and garnishes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">green tomatoes...39 pounds, fried green tomatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ripe tomatoes...133 pounds, salads, sandwiches</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">cherry/grape tomatoes...37 pints, salads, side salads</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">beans...34 pounds, dinner side, cold side salads</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">summer squash/zucchini...80 pounds, dinner sides, ratatouille, soups</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">bell peppers...80 each, omelets, salads, soups, garnish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">blackberries...9 quarts, cobblers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">potatoes...80 pounds, breakfast, lunch and dinner!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">butternut squash...20 pounds, butternut squash bisque</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">watermelons...15, breakfast fruit platters</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">acorn squash...12 each, vegetarian dish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">muscadines...several quarts, garnish for muscadine sorbet, cheese boards</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">apples...50 pounds, cobblers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">pears...50 pounds, cobblers, cheese boards</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">okra...10 pounds, dinner side, soups</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We do still have fall salad greens coming in as well as mustard and turnip greens, and hopefully some of the turnip roots too. The cucumbers certainly jump out as the biggest producer; that was all off of 12 plants. They really did not look promising at first, but any free time we had in the kitchen this summer was making several varieties of delicious pickles. It is quite comical how much room they are taking up in our cooler. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I hope all of this produce was enjoyed being eaten as much as I enjoyed growing and preparing it. Time to start planning for next year!</span></div>
<br />Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-61432735609896809782014-07-15T11:03:00.002-07:002014-07-31T20:21:34.825-07:00Calfkiller Brewery: History in the Making<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBb4WpNdqDrX0KKshDUk923auckP7cu_jPfgY399HARBgTqL5c4AIePlO_abgalq-TVCmfMxlvsPipPCSPuByE9FV0fqPS6EZkUw6wUWXIPvte3VgZRDwLYEJhEo9MPDYFaCMWC1RzXxrE/s1600/calfkiller+boys.jpg" height="267" width="320" /></div>
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It has been a few years now since I last wrote about our friends at<a href="https://www.facebook.com/calfkillerbrewingcompany" target="_blank"> Calfkiller</a>, and not a second to soon. I am happy to say we still have a great relationship with the best small brewery in Tennessee. It is such a pleasure pouring one of their beers for a guest who has never had the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/calfkillerbrewingcompany" target="_blank"> Calfkiller</a> experience. The compliments come quickly and continue through the second beer without fail. Being able to serve our food and drink with that kind of confidence is what we aim to do, day in and day out. </div>
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After watching Dave and Don and their hard working crew succeed at producing what they love and growing it into a sustainable business, you just get that feeling that you are witnessing history in the making. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/calfkillerbrewingcompany" target="_blank">Calfkiller</a> beer has gone from being a novelty draft we started serving a few years ago to a household name and our best selling beer by a long shot. I am still amazed by the number of folks who arrive from all over the state, recognize and ask for it with an enthusiasm only equaled from children on Christmas morning.</div>
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My continued enthusiasm for Calfkiller will come to a head (pun intended) on Saturday, August 9th at <a href="http://www.evinsmill.com/" target="_blank">Evins Mill!</a> I am proud and excited to announce yet another Calfkiller Tasting Dinner. The menu is in the works and will feature, as always, many Calfkiller tainted or inspired items, as well as <a href="http://www.evinsmill.com/" target="_blank">Evins Mill </a>produce and many other local Tennessee products. Dave, Don and hopefully their better halves will be here sampling their latest wares as well as their tried and true. This event has grown in popularity over the years and space is limited, so make sure not to get cut off (pun intended, again), and make your reservations now. We will see you soon, Cheers!</div>
Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-23076748891706306622014-06-03T14:57:00.001-07:002014-06-04T10:18:53.943-07:00Evins Mill Garden Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFkZYfy-rAfhPZoUI29a8mba2WI-qb-I6IiKsEzkrcy0SCvu438BZ2AHhtyivyKc9mSSU7pNbbCPMzpo2gE7tPW9x9mrdE0LZXPrB56fD-u9zQ31ATAjNoSls9PC15Lvl2W0XP-W_bTkl/s1600/snow-pea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFkZYfy-rAfhPZoUI29a8mba2WI-qb-I6IiKsEzkrcy0SCvu438BZ2AHhtyivyKc9mSSU7pNbbCPMzpo2gE7tPW9x9mrdE0LZXPrB56fD-u9zQ31ATAjNoSls9PC15Lvl2W0XP-W_bTkl/s1600/snow-pea.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Evins Mill garden, while it is not one of the larger suppliers to our kitchen operations here at the Mill, is one that is near and dear to me since I get to be present for every step from seed to the plate. There is a certain care and attentiveness that goes into preparing food that you grow. It also gives you a glimpse into what other farmers have to go through in getting that produce to the consumer. For me, knowing more about the life of the food and gaining a healthy respect for the process makes for a better finished product. That may be a little deep for a food blog, but there is plenty of time to ponder such things out there playing in the dirt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Evins Mill garden has been steadily growing more and more veggies since 2007, except when a drought decides to happen or the animals decide they needed the food more than I did. Heirloom tomatoes and salad greens are still the bulk of what I plant. This year is no exception with 100 tomato plants and almost 500 square feet of salad greens going out...we will have to see what comes back in! The asparagus bed had to be moved this winter; it was getting a little crowded. We will not get to harvest any of it this year as it needs to reestablish itself, but sacrificing this year will make for a nice crop next year and plenty of room for it to expand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Coming soon to the plates will be what looks like our best crop ever of snow peas. I am very excited for these since we have been trying several years to get it right and I think we may have finally succeeded. Green onion and lettuce are coming in nicely now as well. Coming up in the warmer months will be several kinds of beans (including Dragon Lady!), potatoes, okra, cucumbers, melons, peppers, basil, and depending on the perfect weather, apples, pears, berries, walnuts, muscadines, and concord grapes. Oh, and the 100 tomato plants; I almost forgot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I could not write about the garden this year without mentioning our newly hired hands. Sylvia (7) and Wade(5) are old enough to help with weed pulling and knowing the difference between weed and plant; it is moderately important to know the difference! Sylvia has learned to chase that dollar since that is what it takes to buy Madam Alexander dolls (mom and dad are not buying them!). She did painstakingly plant everyone of the snow pea seeds so I must give credit where credit is due when we serve them this weekend. I am very proud of her and of our garden. We hope to see you soon, and be sure to ask what is fresh out of the garden.</span></div>
Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-38353917922055628462014-03-18T11:45:00.000-07:002014-03-26T13:27:45.212-07:00Short Mountain Shine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Moonshine is certainly nothing new in "these here parts" surrounding Evins Mill, but it seems to be all the rage recently sweeping the nation. From the reality shows to all the coolest bars and restaurants, moonshiners and their goods have made it mainstream. Lucky for us, we have the best right here in our own backwoods!</div>
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Adding a much needed ingredient to our growing list of local food producers, we now have <a href="http://www.shortmountaindistillery.com/#!home/cjyv" target="_blank">Short Mountain Distillery's</a> moonshine. These guys are making award winning moonshine that is nothing short of tradition, history, pristine ingredients, and a passion for their craft all in one bottle.</div>
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We recently enjoyed a tour of the facilities which anyone can do Thursday through Saturday. You can learn all about what goes into each bottle and even get a sampling while you're there. Taking the one of these tours is highly recommended on your next stay with us. We also hosted our first <a href="http://www.shortmountaindistillery.com/#!home/cjyv" target="_blank">Short Mountain Distillery</a> tasting dinner here at the Mill a few months ago and will certainly be planning another. It was an evening flowing of moonshine and a menu to soak it all up!</div>
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<a href="http://www.shortmountaindistillery.com/#!home/cjyv" target="_blank">Short Mountain Distillery's</a> shine is certainly on our bar menu and is featured in seasonal cocktail specials, but has become one of my favorite new inspirations for creating in the kitchen. Our local honey, <a href="http://www.evinsmillcuisine.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2013-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2014-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=3" target="_blank">moonshine caramel sauce</a> may be the best use so far, but the personal meat loaf with Benton's bacon, moonshine ketchup glaze was not too shabby either.</div>
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You can learn all about <a href="http://www.shortmountaindistillery.com/#!home/cjyv" target="_blank">Short Mountain Distillery</a> on their website or better yet go and see them. These guys have painstakingly covered every detail when it comes to making the best, most authentic moonshine available, and it shows. Keep your shine on guys! </div>
Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-2203766418812605042012-09-13T11:23:00.003-07:002012-09-13T11:38:11.806-07:00Dismal Creek Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAi2nnJECflofWVRx8k3fGz9DWi3PU1RbXNQUe6KMVQqwKnhb_pnpCrJMJ1Y1pQ37VnVqKPHuZDHzRlI3xHGVFmNXeaB_qirwPLHbKQMotBdIpVszJLruNehmjC_l0q1x9QalVxxwh9tZ/s1600/diane+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAi2nnJECflofWVRx8k3fGz9DWi3PU1RbXNQUe6KMVQqwKnhb_pnpCrJMJ1Y1pQ37VnVqKPHuZDHzRlI3xHGVFmNXeaB_qirwPLHbKQMotBdIpVszJLruNehmjC_l0q1x9QalVxxwh9tZ/s320/diane+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dismal is one of those words that really does not come to mind around Evins Mill. If someone asks me to describe my cooking or the ambiance at the waterfall or even my relationship with the owner, dismal would be a stretch to use. Although not too far away, there is a quiet, tranquil place by the name Dismal Creek. I am not sure how its name came to be, but it is the home of one of our long time staff and her business, Dismal Creek Flowers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKHt0heBDXL1KkeX9NmMC9l0CkCP1s8QWY2fdpfoYv2USr33jumtu7865tZMoaRxQhJSvLxIarAAjsehNDtzZ_WTD41w5h9sp3vr8aXKBWgV5uJc-Ean8otsStKn3MG0E78hifIF_OLyi/s1600/diane+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKHt0heBDXL1KkeX9NmMC9l0CkCP1s8QWY2fdpfoYv2USr33jumtu7865tZMoaRxQhJSvLxIarAAjsehNDtzZ_WTD41w5h9sp3vr8aXKBWgV5uJc-Ean8otsStKn3MG0E78hifIF_OLyi/s320/diane+3.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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If you are a regular to Evins Mill, there is a good chance you crossed paths with Diane's drinks at the bar or her graceful, professional service at your dinner table. Maybe not as well known as the other feathers in her hat, Diane has an eye for natural beauty in flowers and the gift of arranging them in a way that makes you feel as though they were never touched by human hands. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLM-Yv312vZTV_4OjeOKRpFZIm61xkIzkAVE596-kvqkIAEGYB9-GY8cy7SoS55mlt1tCIeKlOnrwaLcoTmfN8bDmOm8LIwFtxcS3JQV3HRkXjR2i7u0nJ6TWiAPhzdEQ7nENmF_RkXB7m/s1600/diane+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLM-Yv312vZTV_4OjeOKRpFZIm61xkIzkAVE596-kvqkIAEGYB9-GY8cy7SoS55mlt1tCIeKlOnrwaLcoTmfN8bDmOm8LIwFtxcS3JQV3HRkXjR2i7u0nJ6TWiAPhzdEQ7nENmF_RkXB7m/s320/diane+6.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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Diane's Dismal Creek Flowers produces wonderful arrangements for our guests to place in their overnight accommodations, on their dinner table or even as extensive as weddings. They are available in all sorts of sizes and are always in an interesting, creative vessel that makes the entire arrangement feel well thought out from beginning to end. It is obvious that Diane's flowers are full of love and gathered with care. She uses only flora that are in season and are locally grown and cultivated - most right on her organic farm. This makes everything Diane does unique and very personal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_99HroPbCkNotNj5jlgQt7baajbV6I0HRmmA4UgWeXNoLrbGf6pDHmbXtixYIXtWal54LvHdC30VkecKGs9u-ykcrjY15EQxwlVcChll3B-UZFhDOfmOSjUFkfFOkPM3ReY27t6NeaLT/s1600/daine+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_99HroPbCkNotNj5jlgQt7baajbV6I0HRmmA4UgWeXNoLrbGf6pDHmbXtixYIXtWal54LvHdC30VkecKGs9u-ykcrjY15EQxwlVcChll3B-UZFhDOfmOSjUFkfFOkPM3ReY27t6NeaLT/s320/daine+5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Dismal Creek Flowers are a natural choice when you need to add that extra special touch to your next stay at the Inn. Just mention "dismal" to our reservation office and they will know what you are talking about. We will see you then!</div>
Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-18908087258858268762012-06-13T13:32:00.000-07:002012-06-19T09:32:51.844-07:00Wedge Oak Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What is your favorite thing to cook? Where did you go to school? Can I get the recipe? How long have you been cooking? How long have you been at Evins Mill? </div>
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These are some of the many questions I am asked on almost a daily basis. Chef small talk is fun, and I love meeting guests and finding that common ground that binds us all together - FOOD. Well, after cooking for a number of years - 20 as of this summer - I have come up with a question of my own that I do not believe I've been asked by a guest. I am not sure that I have asked it myself until recently - Where do I find my inspiration to create and keep cooking? </div>
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Creating new or recreating old dishes has always just kind of happened for me, but maybe the natural aging process has caused me to ponder an answer deeper than the surface. I think it has been an evolving answer over the course of my career, but I have certainly found the muse these days in a love for the food itself. Not the finished dishes - I am talking of food in the purest form. </div>
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Knowing the food personally from as early in its life as possible. Like noticing the tiniest green tomato after the bloom has fallen and watching it grow and then using it on a salad. Or the breed of chicken that laid the green egg that made such a brilliant yellow creme brulee. Or that the pork chop I just grilled was taken from a pig down the road that was selected just for me. That personal relationship with the food holds me to a higher standard. I want to prepare that food the way it would have prepared itself if it could. </div>
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I have always joked with the staff when a guest wants to know the secret ingredient I used in a certain dish - tell them it's love I say. Well, maybe there is more truth in that than I realized. </div>
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The inspiration for writing this blog was not so that I could answer my own questions but to show some love for our newest partner in our Farm to Table adventure. <a href="http://wedgeoakfarm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wedge Oak Farm</a> is located in Lebanon, Tennessee and has provided us with the best pork loin money can buy, as well as Poussin, spring chickens that are as perfect in size as they are in flavor. I knew we were in for a treat when I met with Karen a couple of months ago to discuss logistics. </div>
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I love her approach to not having loads of items in the freezer waiting for us to order. We send an email to let her know what we want and she looks out at the farm and decides which animals are ready to go. Next thing you know we are serving farm fresh meat for dinner. That is all the inspiration I need to get the creative juices flowing. We featured these two items along with French wines recently at one of our wine tasting events. I must say that the Tennessee meats paired well and might have even stole the show. </div>
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Anyone familiar with Allen Benton of Benton's Bacon will also be interested to hear that he has dubbed Karen's pork chop as the best. If any one opinion of pork should be respected, it is Allen's. I was also interested to learn that Wedge Oak is one of the suppliers of pork to Benton's. So nice to be part of a smaller food chain! </div>
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If you would like to learn more about <a href="http://wedgeoakfarm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wedge Oak Farm</a> and their line of products, just check out their blog. My hat is off to Karen and Wedge Oak Farm. Thank you for inspiring me, and here's to many delicious, creative dinners ahead at Evins Mill. </div>Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-40990748403575866372012-03-14T08:56:00.006-07:002012-03-28T14:21:04.102-07:00Art Revolution<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V1NCHm6mw3XjVKWeu2rn-u4VMU8s_L4qU2o1mRzIsjRN6tl5LniDPYLD35gtFjUfSqDFA7VgVcDfGuCoUQD35EUExW5e0xNmupvpzt5tq1c4X3mj7hg7xQnbNhGvvDlDmwIa8I9Ofpyy/s1600/AR+logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px; display: block; height: 128px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719857271682525602" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V1NCHm6mw3XjVKWeu2rn-u4VMU8s_L4qU2o1mRzIsjRN6tl5LniDPYLD35gtFjUfSqDFA7VgVcDfGuCoUQD35EUExW5e0xNmupvpzt5tq1c4X3mj7hg7xQnbNhGvvDlDmwIa8I9Ofpyy/s400/AR+logo.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:georgia;">Winter around Evins Mill is traditionally a quieter season with the crackling of the fire places drowning out or at least competing with even the liveliest of conversations. It is a time when the staff, including myself, can get a few things done that might have been paused during the boisterous celebrations of marriage and the changing fall foliage. I am usually keeping myself busy working with the menu, writing a few recipes, cleaning, planning the coming year, and counting wares that did not get broken. This winter has progressed much as I expected it too, but with a new twist.</span><br /></div><span style="font-family:georgia;">~</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;">Evins Mill is part of a revolution...no, we are not bootlegging or storing up small arms; we are supporting <a href="http://www.anartrevolution.org/">"Art Revolution".</a> Dekalb County and Smithville are fortunate to have a passionate group of citizens that have started and are operating a non-profit art program for teenagers. Many local artists are teaming up with this organization to teach skills like clay, drawing, guitar, drama, writing, photography, graphic design, painting and even culinary. This is where Evins Mill comes in.<br /></div><span style="font-family:georgia;">~</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;">I was asked to teach a Culinary class to students ranging in age from 13 to 18. The class would run for nine weeks, meeting once per week for two hours. I had never taught in a classroom setting before so I was not sure what to expect. I laid out a plan for the nine weeks and set off for my first class. I have not been that nervous professionally since I began my training at Culinary school. It certainly gave me a new respect for all who are teachers of our youth. Trying to hide my fear, I somehow managed to make it through those first two hours of lecture, getting to know the students, tastings and goal setting.<br />~<br />It did get easier. I learned quickly, lucky for me, that the way to a teenagers heart and mind is food; they are always hungry! I think once they realized I was going to feed them, and ultimately teach them to feed themselves, they were ready to listen and learn. I am very impressed with how much they could accomplish over the course of only two hours. I came to class with what I thought was a possible, yet challenging list of dishes to make. Every week we were finishing lists and completing menus with plenty of time to sit as a family to eat, taste and talk about our culinary creations.<br />~<br />It always warms me to see guests enjoying their food but to watch these kids create something with their own hands that they have never tried before and to taste and enjoy is life changing, for them and me. In our "drive- thru" dining world, I watched six students prepare and taste 40-50 dishes they had never tried before and clean their plate every time. That makes me want to do the Snoopy dance!<br /></div><span style="font-family:georgia;">~</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Needless to say, it was a great experience and I certainly plan to teach again next winter. Evins Mill played a huge roll in allowing us to borrow small equipment as well as donating certain ingredients that are not as easy to come by. We also procured food donations from some of our local vendors that supply Evins Mill. </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.gourmetpasturebeef.com/">Gourmet Pasture Beef</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">, </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://motherearthmeats.com/">Mother Earth Meats</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">, and </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.folsomfarms.net/">Folsom Farms </a><span style="font-family:georgia;">were all quick to answer when told about the class and were asked to help.<br />~<br />Art Revolution is available to all youth in Dekalb County ages 13-18, and tuition assistance is available making it truly possible for any child with a passion, desire, or even just curiosity to take a class. Having grown up in Smithville, I am very proud to be a part of an organization that has worked so hard to provide something that was lacking in our community and finally see it come to fruition. If you would like more information on </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.anartrevolution.org/">Art Revolution </a><span style="font-family:georgia;">or to see a few great photos of the Culinary class and more, visit their </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.anartrevolution.org/">website </a><span style="font-family:georgia;">or </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.facebook.com/artrevolutiondekalb?ref=ts">Facebook.</a> We look forward to seeing you back at the Mill soon.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-67206003496754366472012-01-25T10:30:00.000-08:002012-01-25T18:00:29.282-08:00Mother Earth Meats<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJzx4-mggc7MGIOklRkCkPE8S3eGG-pBhhtqD7sEyR0Y5lNdEAWyn6_RO_Cz-1AZlIkdDOClN9kJddP8vWQaDl2EF4ix-wd2LXbbiIYFpNI-EoTq-YVRUawjrzQxnfJLnUgPVV9VkxfQd/s1600/mother+earth+meats.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 259px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701654572230037298" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJzx4-mggc7MGIOklRkCkPE8S3eGG-pBhhtqD7sEyR0Y5lNdEAWyn6_RO_Cz-1AZlIkdDOClN9kJddP8vWQaDl2EF4ix-wd2LXbbiIYFpNI-EoTq-YVRUawjrzQxnfJLnUgPVV9VkxfQd/s400/mother+earth+meats.jpg" border="0" /></a> Reconnecting the consumers, farmers, and the land is the mission set forth at <a href="http://motherearthmeats.com/">Mother Earth Meats.</a> I am both proud and excited that I get to help with that reconnecting process. These fine folks are committed to raising and supplying food that has been treated with respect throughout the entire process. From the pasture the Bison is grazing on, to the amount of fuel it takes to deliver the steak, no detail is too small when providing the tastiest, most nutritious, cleanest food possible.<br /></div>~<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We have been using <a href="http://motherearthmeats.com/">Mother Earth Meats</a> here at Evins Mill for the past year. I have fallen in love with their variety of handmade sausages from chorizo to andouille; twelve in all I believe. We have experimented with some of their less common items as well, like the bison rib loin and rabbit saddle which is now a staff favorite if nothing else. They have also been supplying our whole chickens, chicken breast, pork loin, pork tenderloin, and even our free range turkeys we served for Thanksgiving. The variety and consistency is what really sets them apart from other farms. I have been nothing short of impressed with every delivery.<br />~<br />Mother Earth Meats is located in Maryville, Tennessee and makes a tour across the state about every month or so with deliveries. This requires us to be a little more organized and order in bulk, but is well worth the effort. Their <a href="http://motherearthmeats.com/">website</a> is full of information on how you might be able to enjoy some of their offerings at home, but you can count on having something from their farm on our table at the Mill every weekend. Hope to see you soon.</div>Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-13352976289141082222011-11-29T14:57:00.000-08:002012-01-27T10:46:04.330-08:00Cantrell's Produce<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROegt8TFOUv5dLuQ4gm3s2lgmdJ6G9OauQXZUL7gUSc4x-K4s6mNMcKNh-hxiYHjSPtBw0anuLsMQeEkeLo17hcKoVzfA4RFlCskSawZJ7c_WD0aJAzLAsCRCBP76jnPilZaMfPyvXyWa/s1600/JC+pic.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681180186868694466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROegt8TFOUv5dLuQ4gm3s2lgmdJ6G9OauQXZUL7gUSc4x-K4s6mNMcKNh-hxiYHjSPtBw0anuLsMQeEkeLo17hcKoVzfA4RFlCskSawZJ7c_WD0aJAzLAsCRCBP76jnPilZaMfPyvXyWa/s400/JC+pic.JPG" /></a>As the growing season and farmers market move into hibernation for a long winter's nap, I have to mention one of our most faithful and largest suppliers to Evins Mill. Jeff Cantrell and his family would probably correct me on the winter's nap bit, for it is a year long process. I do hope they get to sleep in a little; they deserve it.<br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">~<br />On top of being the work horse for Cantrell's Produce, Jeff is also the president of the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#%21/pages/DeKalb-Farmers-Market/178004285585459">Dekalb County Farmer's Market</a>. This is the first year that our local market has become officially organized and resided in its newly constructed location. I feel like Jeff and the other officers and farmers have gotten it off to great start and built a solid foundation so that we have a vibrant market for years to come. I was there nearly every Saturday and there were always very excited customers and a nice assortment of vendors with just amazing products. It was hard to not try everything, though some weeks I think I did.<br />~<br />Jeff always has a nice variety of products, but is far and above the best pepper and chili producer around; his bell peppers are the biggest, most beautiful you have ever seen! We also used a lot of his tomatoes, turnips, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, winter squash, turnip greens, and even some sorghum he picked up in Kentucky. Jeff also has quite a following; you better get there early to see all he has to offer.<br />~<br />I am getting a little misty eyed knowing my Saturday morning ritual will not include Jeff and the gang for a several months. I did load up on Jeff's fresh turnips which will keep a little longer. So prepare yourself to find them in something on your next visit to the Mill. They are good!</div>Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-31090292900131085032011-08-01T08:58:00.000-07:002011-08-02T06:46:32.257-07:00Purple Maize Farm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9fbp4_CqoKARwujiKpqIvXOF7bS9zMICg7jldZVqwzKEV1LapKafCRusjCEPCRhHrH72aFJojNkIS48yXqGq1uPhsnvl7-jYJWvfP_erTKitqzdpvgHfvoCQEFizIU-S7H-rmslSVFcQ/s1600/purplemaize+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635917959700641746" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9fbp4_CqoKARwujiKpqIvXOF7bS9zMICg7jldZVqwzKEV1LapKafCRusjCEPCRhHrH72aFJojNkIS48yXqGq1uPhsnvl7-jYJWvfP_erTKitqzdpvgHfvoCQEFizIU-S7H-rmslSVFcQ/s400/purplemaize+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2Znqq1QcepWgDHLMOi-_dfiTxeNAZJ0hkML99EL3LYUeLTf7Z47-Xqd17QFxpalZIxGJc1155RNoc-ZxZ6Ds7eL3bGm6k_N62rHlG3FWXRb-Y9EzZyHsXNnc6oP3hq4Dr0PALn4wgp8p/s1600/purple+maize+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635917958630227458" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2Znqq1QcepWgDHLMOi-_dfiTxeNAZJ0hkML99EL3LYUeLTf7Z47-Xqd17QFxpalZIxGJc1155RNoc-ZxZ6Ds7eL3bGm6k_N62rHlG3FWXRb-Y9EzZyHsXNnc6oP3hq4Dr0PALn4wgp8p/s400/purple+maize+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Last Winter we received a call from someone wanting to grow organic produce for us. They wanted to grow heirloom as well as interesting vegetables on a sustainable farm within a short drive from Evins Mill. Sound too good to be true? Nope, Karly, with <a href="http://www.purplemaizefarm.com/index.html">Purple Maize Farm </a>showed up with her seed catalogs and notebook and basically said "what do you want". Well, it was the equivalent of turning my children loose in the candy store with Grandma. A few short months later we began enjoying the fruits of all the hard work that the Purple Maize team of Karly, Kevin, and Marie do with an obvious passion.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the course of the growing season we have been serving up lots of colorful veggies including edible flowers, varieties of cool weather greens, baby bok choy, squash, fingerling potatoes, crazy colored heirloom tomatoes, leeks, lettuces, watercress, and many others still to come. The quality, flavors, and colors are all at their peak whether they deliver to us or we pick them up at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/DeKalb-Farmers-Market/178004285585459?ref=ts">DeKalb County Farmers Market.</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Purple Maize also has CSA customers that they supply on a weekly basis throughout the growing season as well as other restaurants. You can find out more about these guys on their website where they keep a <a href="http://purplemaizefarm.blogspot.com/">farm blog </a>or on their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Purple-Maize-Farm/190664460973439">Face Book page.</a> Karly and the gang at Purple Maize are a perfect example of the key players ensuring we can produce the quality of food that Evins Mill has become known for. Sustainably Good!<br /></div><br /><div></div>Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-4407978939901718102011-06-29T14:18:00.000-07:002011-06-29T15:18:00.417-07:00Evins Mill Garden Update<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPIZ_rfstvM4UWb8dPYtNdRji0cQ72k4SamnFyCgS5ZMX3zpgVZQdnWMLC1HTtVaEK9v9_w_zwutuU8xcXACz0exuV2jZUwx37dV_-xNeOa_hG-qVuUMbpWJiW7mPcCNrzXua5XkNxkae/s1600/summer+dad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623764652166986498" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPIZ_rfstvM4UWb8dPYtNdRji0cQ72k4SamnFyCgS5ZMX3zpgVZQdnWMLC1HTtVaEK9v9_w_zwutuU8xcXACz0exuV2jZUwx37dV_-xNeOa_hG-qVuUMbpWJiW7mPcCNrzXua5XkNxkae/s400/summer+dad.jpg" border="0" /></a>Summer is back! With the warmer days brings loads of fresh veggies and fruit from the Evins Mill Garden. We are just finishing up our salad green gathering and eagerly watching several varieties try to reseed themselves. I like it when that happens, free seeds! Hopefully they will successfully begin the fall crop all by themselves. We will have a few more pounds here and there but it looks like we will end up having produced around 50 pounds of salad! That is the weight after having removed the cicadas.<br /></div><div style="font-family: georgia;">~</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are starting to get a steady supply of cucumbers now so it will not be long before we are back in the pickle business. We served up our first batch of fried green tomatoes this week straight from the garden in the morning to the table that evening; they were a sight for sore Southern eyes. Last but not least are the wild blackberries picked just this morning and for the next couple of weeks! These black beauties will be part of our mixed berry cobbler this weekend for the Bluegrass Cookout. These cobblers are made by your very own scratched up chef!<br /></div><div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;">~</div><div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;">In the near future, we will have even more straight from the garden delights. All the watermelon, charlyn, cantaloupe and areva melons are starting to bloom. Green beans, okra, butternut squash, bell peppers and of course ripe tomatoes will work their way onto the menu. I must also mention our new feathered friends; we now have half a dozen chickens employed at the Evins Mill Garden. They will eventually feed the chef scrambled eggs for breakfast before work, but for the time being they are making lots...and lots of free fertilizer. That is a good thing, right (as I clean out the coop)?<br />~</div><div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;">Chicken jokes aside, the harvest is coming in at Evins Mill! We look forward to sharing it with you soon.</div>Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-22943355778854333352011-05-17T14:04:00.000-07:002011-05-18T06:17:27.275-07:00Revolution in Every Mug<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXxrXfDUL73odCU6im2uI9Xn6_CTfjl9-1Gw1oNjh23oiVrtm_Z2FMJUObAjSBYRwWWIccO5ngO_a5WInBetA3E70lbZ7aQDho-a2ptVySBv2qvQa180QRQZlI893JzFr7cTcHrJqV2n_/s1600/DSC_7630.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXxrXfDUL73odCU6im2uI9Xn6_CTfjl9-1Gw1oNjh23oiVrtm_Z2FMJUObAjSBYRwWWIccO5ngO_a5WInBetA3E70lbZ7aQDho-a2ptVySBv2qvQa180QRQZlI893JzFr7cTcHrJqV2n_/s400/DSC_7630.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608044033472934578" border="0" /></a>That is what the Sergio brothers say about their line of Calfkiller beers. We are proud to say that Evins Mill is suiting up and joining in to fight the good fight, or at least sell a few of their handcrafted brews. Calfkiller Brewing Company is located just outside Sparta, Tennessee in close proximity to the banks of the storied Calfkiller River. Dave and Don Sergio have only been selling their efforts for a couple of years, but you cannot tell by the beer, as they are complex in flavor and a joy to drink.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"><br />We are currently carrying their two flagship beers, Grassroots Ale and J. Henry Mild. They make several other seasonal beers as well, incorporating orange zest, local honey and pine needles into their "Christmas Bonus" or oats and chocolate malts into "The Classic Stout". We will be carrying two different beers on draft according to season and whatever wild hair these guys come up with. The Grassroots is the lighter in color of the two with a great hops taste while The J. Henry Mild is a beautiful light to medium brown lager. We have had guests favor both so far, depending on your taste of course.<br /><br />As with all of our local products, it is an exciting time when we find something new that is produced close to home and with quality fit for a king. Calfkiller is a natural fit at Evins Mill and we are proud to have them on board. Thanks to Dave and Don for all the blood, sweat and tears that went into getting Calfkiller Brewing Company off the ground (not an easy task in small town Tennessee). These guys not only make great beer - they also fashioned us a one-of-a-kind draft beer tower (look above) to draw up your next Calfkiller. Come check it out!<br /><br />Also keep your Internet eyes peeled for coming announcements about Evins Mill and Calfkiller, as we are in the planning process of the brew masters themselves hosting one of our social hours before dinner to talk about the brews and do a little sampling. A fun evening for sure. Cheers!</div>Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-92121861025895441372011-04-28T14:15:00.000-07:002011-05-03T18:47:19.382-07:00Home Grown Salads and More!<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_rYEBtFMWDE1YMBYLpXMLHR4HDoenNogsDF58HOf2K0G8J7jfVaEYKuSIQwz-Lim-JKYmU09InK_Kan1Qpvg8AckliiBKEGUNGbvCbseDq6qhG3EwUmkPYXAetxgszIUANhmDuQ8UZfk/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600828174834935794" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_rYEBtFMWDE1YMBYLpXMLHR4HDoenNogsDF58HOf2K0G8J7jfVaEYKuSIQwz-Lim-JKYmU09InK_Kan1Qpvg8AckliiBKEGUNGbvCbseDq6qhG3EwUmkPYXAetxgszIUANhmDuQ8UZfk/s400/IMG_0193.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;">Spring is finally in full swing and the menu is starting to show it. After what seems like a long thirty day journey from seed, my salad greens are almost ready to venture from garden to table. I planted more variety this year in hopes of not burning everyone out on arugula and purple mustard, literally. I did not leave them out, but we will have some great colorful lettuces, Asian greens and a few bitter greens too. The green onions are ready and will be in a creamy salad dressing or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">aoli</span> this weekend. It is so exciting having fresh vegetables out of the garden again after such a long cold winter. Spring is well deserved this year.<br />~<br /></div><div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;">We are, again this year, working with other local farmers to procure tasty veggies as well. Tomatoes, believe it or not, are coming in for one of our suppliers already. <a href="http://www.localtable.net/farm_guide/farm.php?name=Rm9vZCBGcm9tIEdvZCBGYXJt">Food From God </a>has tomatoes that they started very early, then kept plants warm by circulating warm water around the roots. Sounds like a lot of work, but having vine ripened tomatoes this time of the year is such a treat. We will be serving these on salads this weekend and grilling some with asparagus for our Mother's Day Brunch. These are the same folks that make the delicious whole wheat rolls we serve too.</div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;">~<br /></div><div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;">Our new comer this year is <a href="http://www.purplemaizefarm.com/index.html">Purple Maize Farm</a>. Karly and her crew have already been bringing us watercress, salad greens, baby <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">bok</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">choy</span>, green onion and even edible flowers. They are located here in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dekalb</span> County on Dry Creek. Purple Maize is also operating a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">CSA</span> and might still be taking customers if you are close enough to pick up in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Smithville</span>. They are focusing on sustainably grown heirlooms and hard to find species of fruits and vegetables. I have been very impressed with everything they have produced so far. We are grateful to have them in our family of farms.</div><div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: justify;">~</div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I am still trying to get the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Evins</span> Mill garden off and running but have not been aided with the timing of the rain or my lack of knowledge in tractor mechanics. As soon as it drys enough to plant, we will be setting organic tomatoes from The Herb Cottage, as well as lots of cucumbers. Due to popular demand, we are going to have to ramp up production of pickles this year, so as soon as they start coming in we will get to pickling. I am also going to try my hand at a more serious melon production; keep your fingers crossed. It will be worth it! We hope to see you soon to help us enjoy our Spring harvest.</div> </div>Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-76520080585188700632011-03-27T09:00:00.000-07:002011-03-28T18:25:48.602-07:00Something to Cluck About<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AVReYR6Ij-ZjisvVl8ZX_wQCsTfXaox1Gl3EMrZTa45YEBxfxLql4RnhHdqE1m-ILH7d8bkyw3nXBXrLOaypkERCItsJMK7QAJzFekzXb8Ak0BrNPiUl1HFZwlbl7oLbHcDyk0Ynxw-f/s1600/chickens.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px; display: block; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588876420533274322" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AVReYR6Ij-ZjisvVl8ZX_wQCsTfXaox1Gl3EMrZTa45YEBxfxLql4RnhHdqE1m-ILH7d8bkyw3nXBXrLOaypkERCItsJMK7QAJzFekzXb8Ak0BrNPiUl1HFZwlbl7oLbHcDyk0Ynxw-f/s400/chickens.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxmFnN9PZfQj1M1LUD2f4H9GdLpTpb1jEyBPWdUhuiVRiMBlKIWhYZhhL5K45M0VfI2ukFcre0zhDZYU4-m93HxWbV_610rSfs_bdMRSyYREXlWpMtJgof5Jyv1lZnVYv978m5w3sC7sW/s1600/wade+eggs.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588876410845584114" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxmFnN9PZfQj1M1LUD2f4H9GdLpTpb1jEyBPWdUhuiVRiMBlKIWhYZhhL5K45M0VfI2ukFcre0zhDZYU4-m93HxWbV_610rSfs_bdMRSyYREXlWpMtJgof5Jyv1lZnVYv978m5w3sC7sW/s400/wade+eggs.JPG" border="0" /></a>One of the most widely used ingredients in every kitchen is also among the hardest to find a reliable, local source for. It has been on my list since we started our "farm to table" journey two years ago, but until recently we have not been able to crack the case. Your average grocery store, factory raised "incredible edible egg" may not be hard to find, but procuring a farm fresh, locally sourced, <a href="http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org/standards/layinghens-2011/">AWA certified</a>, and delivered egg is a little more work. AWA stands for Animal Welfare Approved and is a hard earned badge for the commitment to the highest standards of caring for farm animals of all kinds. Once again, hard work has paid off and we are excited to announce our newest partner in procuring "Our Table" food!<br />~<br />Folsom Farms in Alexandria, Tennessee is now the exclusive egg supplier for The Inn at Evins Mill. I was fortunate enough to tour the farm with my family and saw first hand where your next omelet at the Inn started. Teresa Folsom shared with us everything about the chickens, from how they determined she really did not need landscaping around her farm house to the different breeds and qualities of each. The Folsom family has been gathering eggs for five years or so now and enjoy it thoroughly. There are currently around 80 laying hens pecking their way around the farm, so we feel pretty good about our need for 15 to 30 dozen eggs per week being met. All of the birds roam free during the day and have a cozy, protective, mobile roost to sleep in at night.<br />~<br />I cannot say enough about how thankful I am to be partnering with Teresa and her family for our egg usage. They are also going to try and raise some broiling chickens for us this year too! I am sure the next time you visit the Inn you will recognize the difference in your breakfast. There really is no comparison between farm fresh and factory eggs - the farm wins every time. Cluck Cluck!</div>Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092029865449572037.post-1426061005073428342011-02-22T07:07:00.000-08:002011-02-22T14:25:12.784-08:00West Wind Farms<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXK7c0LNeFdhpoDrwW0Ru1gIBijkBAdtcKo-3pJ5xYDoqOOawTUYASZingkK_OpPYS9orlZbUoXO_l63-hySVmfsC3KmngemX4-QlPR9ENHrg4EwIcMSV4SyvCleSKd22yaDbGfo13k-3N/s1600/west+wind+farm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 363px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576531229704435970" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXK7c0LNeFdhpoDrwW0Ru1gIBijkBAdtcKo-3pJ5xYDoqOOawTUYASZingkK_OpPYS9orlZbUoXO_l63-hySVmfsC3KmngemX4-QlPR9ENHrg4EwIcMSV4SyvCleSKd22yaDbGfo13k-3N/s400/west+wind+farm.jpg" border="0" /></a> When we began shifting our menu to feature primarily local, organic and sustainable ingredients, it was not clear to me on how many levels this was the right direction to move. It is easy to say we want to help the local farmers and producers, supply our guests with healthier options and take a little better care of our planet. Those are pretty obvious, but it has been so much more beneficial to me as a chef than I could have imagined. Getting to meet and know the wonderful folks that have a passion for producing these "clean" ingredients is a breath of fresh air professionally and personally. Knowing the story of a food when it enters my kitchen causes me to slow down and take that into consideration when preparing it. I want to make sure all that passion it took to make the ingredient does not stop with me.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">~<br />We began highlighting some of our local partners last year and will continue that this year. There are several new ones that we are very excited about. <a href="http://www.grassorganic.com/default.aspx">West Wind Farms </a>has been supplying us with a nice variety of products since last December. Everything from pork loins and tenderloins, whole chickens and breasts, summer sausage and butter. They have a lot more we have not even tried yet! In addition to the excellent quality, this variety has been what I am so excited about. It is helpful to be able to source several of our menu options from one place. In moving to cleaner and greener food, it takes me a great deal more time ordering everything we need and making sure we have a steady supply.<br />~<br /><a href="http://www.grassorganic.com/default.aspx">West Wind Farms </a>is located near Deer Lodge, Tennessee. While that may not be close to very many folks, it is the perfect place to raise the certified organic meats and poultry that they are so good at. They have all the delivery and pick up information on their website, as well as who they are and the food philosophy that you get in every bite. They can also be found, as most these days, on Facebook and Twitter too. If you still have not tasted the difference in small farm versus who knows where that came from, then give these guys a try - or come see us!</div>Evins Millhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14344642495775223406noreply@blogger.com0