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January 27, 2012
Friday's Fixin's - Mom's Delicious Chicken
With winter finally upon us, and an occasional chill in the air, there is nothing like filling the house with the smelling of a good meal simmering to linger around all night. The problem is, most dishes that will do that linger around your waist too. This dish is extremely low in fat and calories, but packs a flavor and aroma that you will crave year-round. It has a traditional Italian sauce, but all of the main ingredients can be grown right here in Missouri.
In a large skillet with a lid, brown both sides of the chicken in about 3 tbs. of oil and set aside:
- 8 chicken thighs
Add a little more oil and saute until caramelized:
- One whole onion diced
- One green pepper diced
- 2-3 cups mushrooms thinly sliced
- 1 cup whole olives
Stir in and bring to a boil:
- 1 tbs. capers
- 3 cups petite diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp. thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once the mixture begins to develop into a sauce, lay the chicken on top (skin side up). Cover it and let simmer until the chicken is tender and wants to fall off the bone. If you need a little more liquid add a little wine or water. Just remember not to use a wine you wouldn't be willing to drink.
Once it is finished, we like to serve ours on a bed of couscous or Missouri rice. Whichever you prefer, I am sure this will become as big of a favorite in your house as it is in ours.
*Photo by Nightwol on Flickr.
January 26, 2012
Gov. Nixon and Director of Ag Honor RIBUS, Inc. as 2011 Ag Exporter of the Year
RIBUS, Inc received some high honors in front of hundreds of Missouri producers and agribusiness leaders during the 43rd Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture, hosted by Gov. Jay Nixon and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. During the awards banquet Saturday evening, Missouri's Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler recognized the company with Missouri's Agricultural Exporter of the Year honors.
RIBUS, Inc. of Clayton, Mo. was honored with Missouri's 2011 Agricultural Exporter of the Year award. The company, whose name serves as an acronym for Rice Business United States, produces rice-based food ingredients. Company founder and president Steve Peirce accepted the award Saturday evening.
The company, which was founded in 1992, has grown from one employee - Steve - working in the basement of his home, to more than 85 employees and more than 120 distributors worldwide. The company holds five product patents within the U.S. and 17 internationally, and has averaged 20 percent growth each of the last 10 years. RIBUS, Inc. has established markets on five continents, including more than 40 countries.
Missouri began recognizing business' international efforts with the Missouri Agricultural Exporter of the Year award in 1991.
January 25, 2012
Brian Sowers Honored during Governor's Conference on Agriculture
Brian Sowers received some high honors in front of hundreds of Missouri producers and agribusiness leaders during the 43rd Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture, hosted by Gov. Jay Nixon and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. During the awards banquet Saturday evening, Missouri's Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler recognized him with Missouri's Farm Broadcaster of the Year honors.
Sowers was suprised by the recognition - he attended the Governor's Conference on Agriculture to cover the event for KMMO.
In addition to his outstanding reporting on issues affecting the agriculture community, from flooding and drought to the Missouri State Fair to state and federal programs, in his listening area, Sowers supports and mentors youth in agriculture and young professionals pursuing careers in agricultural journalism. He has also shown great dedication to growing the annual KMMO Ag Day event highlighting Missouri agriculture.
As Missouri's 2011 Farm Broadcaster of the Year, Brian Sowers of KMMO radio in Marshall, was recognized for his outstanding coverage of agricultural issues, as well as for his community involvement and engagement within Missouri's agriculture industry.
January 24, 2012
Benefit Auction at Governor's Conference on Agriculture Raises Over $12,000
The Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture benefit auction supporting the future of Missouri agriculture raised more than $12,000 Friday evening. The auction proceeds benefit programs for youth and young professionals in agriculture including 4-H, FFA, Agriculture Future of America (AFA) and the Agriculture Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT).
Popular items included a Taurus "Judge" and a guided duck hunt for two in northwest Missouri. The revolver, which featured a National Rifle Association engraving, was donated by the Missouri Pork Association to benefit FFA. The hunt was donated by Rob Bolin of Bolin Auto and Truck Parts in St. Joseph to benefit AFA.
The top-selling item, the 2011 Missouri State Fair Grand Champion and Champion Youth Country Cured Ham benefitted 4-H. The ham was purchased by Orschelen Farm and Home for $2,000. The ham was donated by Murphy Brothers Exposition, Ditzfeld Transfer and Kathy & Tony Ross. The ham was exhibited by Logan Cary of Houston, Mo. during the Missouri State Fair in August.
Members of the Missouri State 4-H Council and the Missouri State FFA Officer Team as well as representatives from many of the 14 ALOT classes and alumni of the AFA leadership program joined Conference participants for the meal and auction.
Agriculture Director Dr. Jon Hagler, USDA Acting Under Secretary Michael Scuse, Wyoming Director of Agriculture Jason Fearneyhough and Missouri Pork Association Executive Director Don Nikodim served as celebrity auctioneers for the live auction.
The evening was sponsored by the Missouri Corn Programs, the Missouri Soybean Programs and Missouri's farmer-owned ethanol plants.
Mom's Originals of St. Louis receives AgriMissouri Member of the Year Award
Mom's Originals and owner Taran Hensley received some high honors in front of hundreds of Missouri producers and agribusiness leaders during the 43rd Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture, hosted by Gov. Jay Nixon and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. During the awards banquet Saturday evening, Missouri's Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler recognized the company with Missouri's AgriMissouri Member of the Year honors.
Mom's Originals founder Taran Hensley accepted the AgriMissouri Member of the Year Award for her business' outstanding marketing, branding, commitment to their community and overall excellence as a role model for Missouri-based businesses Saturday evening in Kansas City.
Mom's Originals is a gourmet pretzel and treat company based in St. Louis. Hensley founded the company in 2008 in her home, and has since grown into a commercial kitchen she runs with the help of her mom, Jody. The business' signature caramel and chocolate-covered pretzel rods were featured in gift bags at the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy awards in 2010.
The gourmet pretzels have also become a staff favorite among the Missouri Department of Agriculture team. :)
January 23, 2012
Dr. Terry Heiman Named Agricultural Educator of the Year
Dr. Terry Heiman received some high honors in front of hundreds of Missouri producers and agribusiness leaders during the 43rd Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture, hosted by Gov. Jay Nixon and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. During the awards banquet Saturday evening, Missouri's Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler recognized him with Missouri's Agricultural Educator of the Year honors.
When the award was annouced, Conference attendees added to the honors with a standing ovation.
Life-long educator Dr. Terry Heiman received Missouri's Agricultural Educator of the Year award recognizing his career spanning more than five decades and impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Dr. Heiman has served as a high school agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor, has led the agricultural education team at the University of Missouri and provided guidance for vocational education programs at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Heiman was also recognized with the VIP Award during the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky. in 2011.
Cooper's Oak, a Tradition in Wine and Barrel Making
Whether you are a producer or a consumer, when it comes to the marketing of food and wine, packaging is key. At Cooper’s Oak Winery they not only sell fine Missouri wine, they also sell the packaging—carefully crafted oak barrels.
At “A&K Cooperage,” master cooper Dale Kirby has been making American and French oak wine barrels for 42 years. Son Matt, also a master cooper, carries on that tradition. In 2006 another family member, cousin Charlie Hargis, joined the company as sales manager and Cooper’s Oak Winery was born.
Today the company has locations in Higbee and also in Boonville. The second location in the former J.C. Penney department store is spacious and provides a perfect venue for food and wine events in Boonville. Steak dinners are also a popular affair, consistently selling out the winery in Higbee.
Most of the grapes used by Cooper’s Oak are purchased locally at Cedar Lane Vineyard, a small family operation. They also support local farmers by purchasing local beef. And also by holding food and wine events that feature local producers. This Friday, January 27, from 6 to 9 p.m., Cooper’s Oak Winery – Boonville will hold another such event. “Toast,” will allow guests to sample or purchase food from companies like Missouri Legacy Beef, Circle B. Ranch, Berry Nutty Farm and more.
Located just minutes from the 103 exit on I-70, Cooper’s Oak - Boonville is easy to find from almost anywhere in Missouri. Stop by for a visit to sample one of their wines, enjoy a weekend local food event, or reserve the balcony for your own celebration. Questions: 660-882-0111.
January 16, 2012
Lantern Festival To Light Up Missouri Botanical Garden
It’s still roughly six months away, but this is an event you’ll want to plan to attend. The Missouri Botanical Garden, one of our premiere AgriMissouri members, will be hosting the 2012 Lantern Festival, “Light by Day, Magic by Night,” from May 26 to August 19.
A first in the United States, the exhibit is a longstanding tradition in China. The exhibit celebrates Chinese culture and tradition through bold color and design.
This extraordinary exhibit will feature more than two dozen lanterns, many larger in size than the average house or barn. The bright colors, magnificent artistry and skilled silk and steel craftsmanship make them impressive by day. But the exhibit takes on an almost indescribable beauty as the sun sets and the lanterns are set aglow. Watch this video for a sneak peek of this amazing display of color and light.
Tickets are limited and available for purchase in advance online or in person at Missouri Botanical Garden.
