Ragu Alla Bolognese

The Farm

Pork

Cooking

Ragu Alla Bolognese

I have made many Ragus and found this is the very best one, probably as close to a ragu an Italian-American Grandma would make and since the fall is full...Read More
Preserving, Smoking Meat

Smoked Pork Butt (Shoulder)

The smoked pork shoulder, also known as the Boston butt, has a rich history rooted in American barbecue tradition. This cut of meat comes from the upper part of the...Read More
Curing Meat

Guanciale

When I started to learn how to cure meat, "American-style" bacon seemed approachable and when I wanted to take the next step, I learned to make pancetta (Italian-style bacon). From there,...Read More
Farm Life, LJF Livestock Program

Our Pork – Not the “Other White Meat”

Supermarket pork often lacks flavor, with a spongy texture that leaves little to savor. That’s why most conversations about pork revolve around cured bacon or smoked barbecue roasts, rather than...Read More
Preserving, Smoking Meat

Pulled Pork – 3 Ways

One of my absolute favorite food styles is BBQ. I love all sorts of BBQ, from brisket to beans. I love BBQ chicken, hot links, and of course pulled pork....Read More
The Farm Table Podcast

Podcast Episode #20: Darron Marzolf, Butcher

Today I am excited to have Darron Marzolf of Falling River Meats, a 4th generation butcher from the Puget Sound. We discuss the history of the butcher business in his...Read More
The Farm Table Podcast

Podcast Episode #19: Brad Murphy of The Red Bridge Farm

SHOW NOTES Today I am excited to have our feed supplier, Brad Murphy and The Red Bridge Farm. We use their feed for our cattle, pigs and birds. We have...Read More
Farm Life, Pantry

Rendering Lard

There are a lot of things we have learned in our short time owning a little farm. Some are dramatic (cows trying to leap fences) while some are so subtle...Read More
Farm Life, LJF Livestock Program

Cuts of Pork

At Lake Joy Farmstead we take great care of our pigs. Our “pastured pork” is free to graze all day, every day, and we supplement their grazing with 100% organic,...Read More
Farm Life, Preserving, Smoking Meat

Homestead Living Magazine – DIY Smokehouse Article

This was originally written for Homestead Living Magazine in the May 2024 issue and in that issue was titled "Up in Smoke - the Art and Science of Smoking Meat."...Read More
LJF Livestock Program

LJF Livestock Program – An Overview

At Lake Joy Farmstead we take great pride in how we raise our animals. We believe in a holistic approach that is beneficial to the earth, the animal and of...Read More
Cooking

Choucroute Garnie – Because Peasant Food is the Best Food

I have mentioned it before and I will probably always think this way, that in most cases, across multiple cultures, peasant food is the best food. The poor folks have...Read More