Book Reveiw: The Home Creamery

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The Home Creamery: Make Your Own Fresh Dairy Products; Easy Recipes for Butter, Yogurt, Sour Cream, Creme Fraiche, Cream Cheese, Ricotta, and More!

By: Kathy Farrell-Kingsley

I like that this book makes note that you can use raw milk. It does of course caution the user that there is chance of bacteria contamination (blah blah) and recommends pasteurization to be safe. Part of me is very happy that this is one of the first books (I have seen) that notes you can use raw milk....then part of me is upset that pasteurization is still recommended. However, I was thinking that this maybe a legal issue and not a personal choice. So I will give this book the benefit of the doubt and be happy that they even say raw milk is okay, if that is what you prefer. 

Another thing I like about this book is that pretty much all the recipes I saw seemed to be very healthy. Minimal ingredients and all natural options. I think this is a really good start for making your own dairy products at home. 

I would really like to know if there is a book like this specifically for raw milk........

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in starting their own dairy products at home.  I plan on getting this book to get me started and to have on my reference shelf. 

Book Recommendation: Whole Beast Butchery

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Whole Beast Butchery- A Complete Visual Guide to Beef, Lamb and Pork
By: Ryan Farr with Brigit Binns

This is one of those books that I cannot really review as it is a purely full information book. For the visual learners such as myself this book is just as great as having a how to video. If you are in any way interested in breaking down your own animals (beef, lamb, or pork) this would be a must have book! What is fun is even if you do not break down your own animals (or plan to) it is a great learning tool of where the cuts you like best come from as well.

This is defiantly one I will be getting for me reference shelf. 

Book Reveiw: The Accidental Farmers

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The Accidental Farmers: An urban couple, a rural calling and a dream of farming in harmony with nature

By: Tim Young

I finally found this book at my local library after waiting FOREVER! 

(Kindle version is however inexpensive and available here.)

I have been wanting to read this book after I was first introduced to Nature's Harmony Farm through their blog and podcast (no longer in operation- blog still available as an archive). This was one of my main stops when researching sustainable farming. 

The subtitle of this book really gives you the idea of what this book is about "An urban couple, a rural calling and a dream of farming in harmony with nature". 

I really liked this real world story of how this couple came to decide to leave the rat race and farm. What is interesting is how it hit them both seemingly out of the blue. Another great development in the story is their decision to farm for other people. (They have come a long way and now produce award winning handmade cheeses.)

One thing I understand but do not agree with in the farming practices that they do not treat their animals. I mean I can understand not using conventional methods of treatment.( I do agree with not using the conventional methods of chemical worming and antibiotic use.) I still think that a natural option for treatments would not necessarily hinder an animal on becoming more "hardy" to the natural farming method. That is just my opinion as that is my plan to care for my future farm. I also would see it as sustainable as one would be able to grow the herbs and things needed or otherwise barter to get the things you cannot produce yourself. 

Over all this book was very well written and easy to read. It was one of those books that described so wonderfully the farm life that I dream of that I got the relaxed feeling like I was already there. I like that they also do not sugar coat the realities of farm life and give you a real idea what it is like. It is work...but it is worth it...if it is what you really want. As with most things in life I suppose. 

This book I think I would get on kindle or to have on my shelf to share with others. 

For more info on Tim & Liz and their farm you can visit Nature's Harmony Farm Website.