Southern Pea Taste Test

Southern peas, field peas, cowpeas; different names for the same thing. For human consumption, however, "southern peas" sounds nicer than either of the other two, don't you think? The most common of these are black-eyed peas, and I'm sure many folks have heard of crowder peas as well.

A number of years ago I started growing Ozark Razorback cowpeas. I really like them because they produce heavily with tall seed stalks growing multiple pods - very easy to pick. I chose them because they are a small pea, so I can feed them to our critters as well as eat them ourselves.

Last year I found a variety called "Southern Brown Sugar." How could I resist that? That's what I grew this past summer. The other night I decided to cook up three-quarters of a cup of each kind and have a taste test.

Ozark Razorback cowpeas on the left, Southern Brown Sugar on the right.

I cooked them the same way and served a spoonful of each with our meal.

Southern peas, fried ham, and cornbread.

You know what? There wasn't much difference in flavor at all! Both are heritage varieties, but all things considered, I'll probably just stick with the Ozark Razorbacks. I think they produce a little better and are easier to pick. Still, it was a fun experiment.

Anyone else grow southern peas?

 Southern Pea Taste Test © February 2019

by Leigh  at http://www.5acresandadream.com/

Triplets for Daisy

It's been miserably cold and pouring rain for the past week. Daisy's due date was quickly approaching and I worried about her kidding during a frigid night, because hypothermia this time of year is a concern. Thankfully she waited until a warm front poured in! Second bonus, she did the job in the afternoon so we didn't miss it. Triplets! They are about 18 hours old in these pictures.

Firstborn was a little doe.

Second was also a doe.

The last baby was a buck.

Sister and brother

Sisters

Eight kids so far this year - three bucklings and five doelings. Ordinarily that's preferable, but this year I have more requests for boys than girls! One of the little bucks is a keeper, as will be one or two of the little does. I have two more does left to kid, one next month and one in April, so who knows how the numbers will turn out when all is said and done. 😀

 Triplets for Daisy © February 2019

by Leigh  at http://www.5acresandadream.com/

Carport Repair: Extending the Roof

While I've been blogging about mushrooms, cheese, and baby goats, here's what Dan's been up to.

Diamond joint

Snoopervisor Sam performing a strength test.

It's level!

Snoopervisor Sam performing the final inspection.

The next step will be the metal roofing panels, but we're heading into a long stretch of rainy days so it may be awhile before it's weather friendly for that. (Click here to continue.)

 Carport Repair: Extending the Roof © Feb 2019

by Leigh  at http://www.5acresandadream.com/