I can't believe school starts so soon! Our fair was just a week ago, and kids are loading up for the State Fair as we speak! 
August means, get ready, it's back to school time! Time to order school supplies, buy new book bags, and check the kids new class and sports schedules one more time! 




I have compiled some easy recipes from my fellow farm wives to help make this summer to school transition a little smoother for you! After sports, chores and homework, easy recipes will help the morning and evening routines go smother for your family.  

Mom's Mushroom Meatball Casserole by Chasing Saturday's 

I was really exited to try potatoes in the Instant Pot! I wonder why I haven't tried this sooner, but like most of my other friends, there is some hesitations when using the Instant Pot.  I have found that if you just try it, it works out! I love all the flavors that come with this Instant Pot Bacon Ranch Potatoes Recipe.



We really took on a big project this summer. Because of the wet spring, planting the garden was later than normal We also planted more produce than the previous years.  These pictures were taken in June.  We had a problem with potato bugs this year.  Usually after the potato plants die, the bugs disappear.  They have stayed in the garden, and are now on the tomato plants. 



I mixed in a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Mix, you can add what you want for taste. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese, and serve.  

Instant Pot Bacon Ranch Potatoes

PRINT RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds red potatoes
• 7 strips bacon
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 Packet Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix

Directions:

1. Wash and cut the potatoes into 1 inch pieces.
2. Cut the bacon into small pieces.
3. Add potatoes, bacon and 4 tablespoons of water into the Instant Pot.
4. Stir in dried parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
5. Set the instant pot to manual and set the time for 10 minutes.
6. Release the pressure and carefully open the lid. This recipe was made with 6Qt Instant Pot.
7. Add ranch dressing and cheese and stir to combine. Serve immediately. You can serve out of Instant Pot Bowl.

As we celebrated National Agriculture Day this week, it made me think back to a trip I made to Washington D.C. in 2010.  

Touring Washington D.C. can be a great lesson on US History, if you take the time to take in the sites.  We attended a USDA lockup in the Department of Agriculture building.  There were older pictures hanging up in the Department of Agriculture building that have always stuck with me. I love this picture! At that time, the area seemed more of a swamp area, and cattle around, with the Nation's Capital in the back ground.  I bet it would be hard to find pasture in those areas today.  

The first masonic stone for the US Capital was laid on September 1793 by President George Washington. It was a large building to complete, and it passed through a few architect hands.   The US Capital building was opened on November 17, 1800.



Not only do we celebrate National Agriculture Day this week, but also St. Patrick's Day.  Even if you are not Irish, you have to at least appreciate the food that is served on this day as a tradition.  The first thing that comes to mind is Corned Beef and Cabbage.  We decided to make a special meal for the guys at work.  We did cook the cabbage separately, because cabbage was not a crowd favorite around here.  They were told they had to eat cabbage to get dessert, still didn't sway them to try the cabbage.


The corned beef was cooked all morning long on the stove.


The carrots and potatoes were cooked separately.


And of course, the cabbage was boiled in a separate pot.  We try to keep everyone happy.