Holiday thoughts - new offerings

Thanksgiving was a wonderful time to reflect on the past year and really appreciate the help we have had, the tasks completed and where we are going.  It seems that whenever we look ahead the traditions of the past remain a solid foundation for the future. Traditions are what reinforce confidence in who we are and can make us feel happy, loved and a part of something bigger. They are solid; make us laugh, cry, and remain our most cherished memories.  Christmas and the new year bring such great hope for the future and opportunities that the new year has for us.

We would like to make the tradition of our family's VT Maple Syrup a part of your family holiday tradition!
Try this great idea, it could be a new tradition for you -

 Spicy Holiday Compound Butter | The Hungry Mouse

http://www.thehungrymouse.com/

"This is one of those things that I make en masse and keep in the fridge for the holiday season. It's great on everything from French toast to roasted chicken. Use it to garnish a thick, char-grilled steak. Crown a steaming bowl of creamy mashed potatoes with a few slices and some minced chives."

As we approach a busy holiday season, it is with great anticipation that Jeff looks forward to the 2011 sugaring season.  I still remember Jeff saying that the crazy schedule would be for only 6 weeks. As I look back on this it makes me smile because the work leading up to the actual boiling season is just part of the tradition leading to the special days when we boil and make maple syrup. It so amazes me that all of the planning, physical work involved in preparing the various sugarwoods, vast amount of equipment and finally making sure that the sugarhouse is ready does not seem to be a chore to Jeff. Yes, his passion lives on! 

NEWS:

Just in time for holiday gift giving, Jeff and I are very happy to be adding:
* Maple candy
* Maple butter/cream
* Pancake mix
* Specialty boxes
* Maple Dijon Marinade/Dressing (our own)

If you would like to come to the farm we have a great selection of our farm raised grass fed beef on hand:
* Steaks
* Roasts
* Hamburger
* 6 oz Hamburger Patties

For a limited time was also have:
* Local Pork chops
* Italian Sausage(while supply lasts)

Remember please that our meats are USDA inspected and they are available for farm pickup only. 

Visit  http://www.smithmaplecrestfarm.com/ to order.  We would love to have you as a fan of our Facebook page:  Smith Maple Crest Farm.

My Vermont Maple Sugaring season begins now!

Hello, my name is Willard Jeff Smith, most people know me as Jeff.  Growing up on the Maple Crest Farm has reinforced that farming is the life style for me.  About 5 years ago I reconnected with Mary Barnhart whom has joined me at the farm.  My thing is the maple, Mary likes the beef she refers to them as the my girls and the kids.  We seem to settle somewhere in the middle on things. 

For quite some time I have always wanted to do a blog of sorts to track what is new on the farm so here it is.

Maple Syrup

Being a 8th generation maple producer and am committed to making quality Vermont Maple Syrup. This is my passion! Over the past few years I have expaned our maple production and started selling my syrup via my website. Guess the name?   Yup, smithmaplecrestfarm.com  Please visit.

I do something maple related every day, even if it is only planning the next move, the time is now to really start to do a good assessment of my sugar lots, make my list, check it twice and get it done. 

Over the past few years we have added 2 sugar bushes and, now is the time to look at what is working and what is not.  This could take some time to get just the way I want it and will be fun to see how any changes will turn out.

Our syrup can be easily orderd thru our website and we will ship it to you or if you are in the neighborhood you can pick it up.  We ask that you call ahead so that we have it ready for you.

Grass Fed Beef

Since we no longer have a milking herd we have kept cattle on the farm to keep the fields open from tree growth.  The herd has grown and we have a cross of Red Devon and Polled Hereford.  They are a hardy lot who love to go from pasture to pasture.  We sell our farm raised grass fed beef at the farm and locally at Pierces Store in Shrewsbury and Gloria's Pantry in Cuttingsville, VT.  People have come from Boston, MA; New York City and Baltimore, MD to replenish their freezers with our beef.  We would love to see you stop by.