We’ve had some inquiries about the gear we use, and a few questions about setting up a kitchen for the first time with the bare necessities, so we figured a quick post was probably in order. Over the years, I’ve gone through all kinds of phases and philosophies of culinary acquisition. In my early youth,Continue reading “Kitchen Essentials, Part I”
Category Archives: Maine Living
Maine Lobster Ramen
I love Maine lobster. Like, with every part of me that is able to love. Everywhere I have lived, I’ve been an evangelist for the bugs. When I was a season ticket holder with the Miami Hurricanes, we’d do a big tailgate boil at least once a year where I’d foist hunks of lemon-buttered tailContinue reading “Maine Lobster Ramen”
Back to the Woodpile
When things feel awful and out of control, I typically default to some combination of exercise and organization an attempt to remind myself that I do, in fact, have the ability to effect change and progress, if even symbolically. In my days as a trial attorney, this typically meant something as simple as cleaning myContinue reading “Back to the Woodpile”
Mutiny of the Bounty
Spring is quickly sliding into summer here on the mountain, and the explosion of verdance is both refreshing and frustrating, particularly as we look around our garden. In my youth, the family garden was something of a novelty at best, and a weed-ridden albatross at worst. The early morning rays of March sunlight seemed toContinue reading “Mutiny of the Bounty”
The Rite(s) of Spring
Mainers will tell you they hate the winter. And some of us do. But what we really hate is the spring. The problem isn’t necessarily the weather itself, though the manic teasing of sunny warmth pulled back with a whip-crack of snow flurries does wear thin at times. Nor is the issue the omnipresent mudContinue reading “The Rite(s) of Spring”
The First Steak of Spring
Yesterday was vegan day for us, which is… fine. But today, the weather decided to give us a full preview of the upcoming spring, with high temps, sunshine, and wildlife, and I made the executive decision to reach into the strategic beef supply for our first steak of the season. We buy all of ourContinue reading “The First Steak of Spring”
The Pot of Gold
As we’ve alluded in our posts on staples, and stretching a chicken, we try to focus our consumption in a way that allows us maximum value and maximum quality. Here at Fort 10Chickens, we have two adults, two kids, and two dogs to feed, so we operate this place like a restaurant for six. WeContinue reading “The Pot of Gold”
Beak to Talon (do chickens have talons?)
The cornerstone of this lifestyle is getting the most out of everything we do, and everything we use. Often, that also means we’re cooking with base ingredients we’ve made ourselves (like whole oat flour), and that tends to elevate the final product in pretty dramatic ways. It also means some extra effort, so sleeves up.Continue reading “Beak to Talon (do chickens have talons?)”
The Bravery of Ardent Logic
As I’ve alluded in a couple of posts, our situation here is… unique. Frankly, I’ve tried to write this post for two years, and can’t quite seem to find the words. The more I’ve tried, the more I think it’s best to be as blunt as possible. My wife and I had corporate jobs thatContinue reading “The Bravery of Ardent Logic”
Whole Oat Flour and the Zen of Staples
There are a few small things in my life that bring me a goofy amount of satisfaction: a well-stacked woodpile; extra-sharp kitchen knives fresh off the whetstones; and an organized pantry full of basic ingredients. In my youth, my family operated on a use-it-up policy that dictated we not buy a new bottle of ketchupContinue reading “Whole Oat Flour and the Zen of Staples”
10 Chickens to Maine 