Spinach, Ham and Cheese Quiche - Recipe

I made the most delicious quiche yesterday morning, I thought I should share the recipe. Besides, I haven't shared a recipe in a long time it seems... So here you go.

Let me first start by saying that if you don't know, I am a huge advocate for local food.  This was made with some of our farm fresh eggs, compliments of our beautiful egg layers here at the Open A Bar 2 Ranch, LLC, white cheddar dill cheese from the Cozy Cow Dairy in Windsor, CO and fresh spinach grown by Dan Weitzel of the Mitchell Valley Farm.  Dan grew the spinach in his high tunnel in Western Nebraska, in the months of January and February!  Can you believe it??  It is so tender and yummy.  Dan is a vendor, along with us at the Scottsbluff Winter Farmers' Market.  I often wonder how many people actually are aware of the fact that we are extremely blessed to have a winter market here.

If you are on Facebook... like the Open A Bar 2 Ranch, Cozy Cow Dairy, Mitchell Valley Farm and the ScottsbluffWinter FarmersMarket!


Here is the recipe.

I started with a basic recipe from the Better Homes and Gardens red-checked cookbook, one of my favorite all time go-tos, and tweaked it to my needs.

The Ingredients...


1 already made pie crust (because I stink at making pie crusts)
1/2 cup or so of chopped onion
2 Tbs. butter
8 farm fresh Open A Bar 2 Ranch eggs! (WARNING:  if you use store bought eggs you will probably get food poisoning or something of the sort...)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk (I used raw milk, straight from the cow, because that's how we roll...  take that USDA police)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup sliced ham 
3 cups lightly packed fresh spinach from Mitchell Valley Farm
1 cup Rocky Mountain cheddar dill cheese from Cozy Cow Dairy


(This recipe is very versatile, so use what ever ingredients you want to... just stay with the basic ingredients of the eggs, sour cream and milk.)


1.  Bake the pie crust according to the directions on the package.
2.  Meanwhile, saute the onions in the butter until translucent.
3.  Beat eggs lightly in a large bowl.  Stir in sour cream, milk, salt and pepper.  Stir in onion, ham, spinach (I left mine whole leaf, but you can chop it up if you want to) and cheese.
4.  Pour mixture into hot, baked pie crust.  Bake in 350 degree oven for about 50 minutes.  I covered the edge of the pie crust with foil so it would not burn.  It is done when you can insert a knife in the middle of the quiche and it comes out clean.
5.  Let stand about 10 minutes before serving.
6.  Eat and enjoy!  Yum.


The remaining dates for the Scottsbluff Winter Farmers' Market are February 25th, March 10th & 24th and April 7th & 21st.  It is held at Aulick's TLC in the greenhouse from 1-4pm.  You should come.  Seriously, you will be surprised at what all it has to offer.

AND if you want farm fresh eggs but can't make it to the farmers' market... let me know.  I sometimes deliver...  Call us at 787-1111.  Now all you smarty pants who live many miles away... don't bother asking... the answer is no.

First Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market = Success!!

I am so excited to tell you about the first ever Scottsbluff Winter Farmer Market. Can I just say that a good time was had by all??

Our first non-profit organization of the season was CAPWN.

Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska is a Community Action Partnership and member of a national network of over 1,000 community action agencies across America. CAPWN is a non-profit community based health and human services organization that serves low-income, disadvantaged, and those unable to meet their needs through other sources. Check out their website for more information.

The Winter Market held a food drive for CAPWN's food pantry and collected several non-perishable food items along with $136.60 in cash donations! Everyone who donated food to the food drive or gave $1 got their name entered into a drawing for a gift basket compiled of goodies from all the vendors. I think the gift basket was valued around $200. Wow! Elaine Hays of Scottsbluff was the lucky winner! She was ecstatic that she won. It was so much fun delivering the basket to her. She said she had never won anything before in her life.

A BIG thank you goes out to Christina Armstrong of Beeloved Jam who helped with the raffle table along with several students from Morrill High School who volunteered their time to help with the market. Those who gave of their Saturday afternoon were Carlie Sinks, Skyler Manville, Marcus Vacock, Alexis Reynoso, Athena Tarin and Megan Fish. They helped at the raffle table and also helped the vendors carry stuff in to the market and then back out when it was closing time. Many hands make light work! Alexis and Carlie did face painting for a free will donation and all proceeds went to the CAPWN Food Drive. Thanks guys, you did a fantastic job!

Christina Armstrong (Beeloved Jam) and
Skyler Manville (Morrill High School National Honor Society)
manning the raffle booth.
There is the gift basket Elaine won!

Alexius Reynoso painting Tessa Brunner's Face

Alexius, you work just like Dan the Man, with your tongue out!
Dan the Man does that all the time and so does his sisters.
Must be a family trait or something.
Does anyone else in your family do that Alexius?
Maybe I should do a study on that...

Cutie~pie Tessa Brunner showing her true colors. GO BIG RED!
Megan Fish in the background helping with the raffle table.

Marcus Vacock (Morrill High School) sporting a bullet hole painted
by one of the girls doing the face painting.
These kids got bored at times do to the small number of children who
actually came to the market.

Laura's Herbal Apothecary
Can I say that I simply adore the Peppermint Hand Lotion!
mmmmm, smells so fresh and light!

Another sale at the Victory Hill Farm booth!

Bob and Judy Sharp selling Bob's hot rub!
Which by the way, makes a most excellent stocking stuffer
for anyone who likes spicy foods!

Heidi Robertus selling some of her delicious baked goods.
There is one of her signature pumpkin roll cakes in the front.

Sue Maxey and her co-worker at the
Diabetes Care Center @ RWPC information booth.
Did you know that November is Diabetes Awareness Month?


Tina Meier and a couple of boys from the Bluffs Middle School 8th Grade Class
They were having a bake sale to raise money for their class trip to Washington D.C.
(Sorry I didn't get your name boys!)

A Big THANK YOU to everyone who helped support their bake sale.
I think they sold everything except for a couple half dozen cookies!

Nathaniel McGowan manning Ernie Griffiths' booth.
Ernie is the honey guy!



Vicki Brunner of Vic's Festive Expressions and her kid-os!
Check out Vicki's personalized gifts.
I'm thinkin' very unique Christmas presents!

Various personalized candy bars Vicki makes.
Anyone getting married? Look at the wedding one! Ooo la, la!

Adorable Christmas baskets from Vicki.

More from Vicki, what a GREAT idea!

Melanie West from MWest Designs.
Melaine makes beautiful high quality rag rugs...

... and unique tin art.
Love these crosses with antique button embellishments!

Connie and Carolyn Driver of Blue Heeler Glass.
You have got to check out Carolyn's uniquely handmade glass beads.
They are beautiful. I've never seen any like them before.
Connie was also selling some of her art work. This girl is overflowing with talent. She is such a delightful young lady. I truly adore her!

Here's Dan the CSA Man of the Mitchell Valley Farm.
Dan had some great produce!


Beth Everett, who also had some great produce.
Have you tried her squash? It's soooo good!
And be sure to pick up one of her free seed catalogs!

Jane Sedman of Mamma Jane's Artisan Breads
Jane's breads are FANTASTIC!
She sold out as usual! Better get to her booth fast if you want some!

Mary & Mike Armstrong of Creative Bubbles

That's my Aunt Kitty talking with Mary.
My Aunt Kitty and Uncle Dexter came to visit for the weekend
and Aunt Kitty, bless her little pea pickin' heart, helped
Dan the Man and me with the farmers market.
AND... Aunt Kitty bought something from every single vendor.
She is quite the shopper.
Dan the Man said we went home with more stuff than we can with, hee, hee!

Some of Mary's adorable Christmas baskets!

And last but certainly not least,
The Green Valley Homesteaders

Bill Snocker

Wynne Buehler

John Jessup

Okay people... if you enjoyed their music,
please let them know by leaving them a tip.
The Green Valley Homesteaders are playing at the Winter Market
solely for tips!
Thanks guys, you are great!

Here is what Kim Grams had to say about the
Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market on Facebook!

"The first one was fantastic. I can't wait for Saturday. BTW, I LOVED the music you had ... nice and festive (but not so obtrusive that I couldn't think or ask questions of vendors)."

Kim Also posted:

"The ScottsbluffWinter FarmersMarket was AWESOME!! I got cheese and meat and herbal stuff for our immune systems. Plus info on some personalized chocolates to order for upcoming events. Yay!"

And Jennifer Reisig, bless her heart posted this:

"I was so excited about the ScottsbluffWinter FarmersMarket, I showed up 2.5 hours early, thinking I was late & had probably missed all the good stuff. It's not until 1-4pm today at the Hampton Inn. A farmers market in the afternoon...now I'm even more excited!"

Next market is November 27th, 1-4pm Hampton Inn Conference Center.
Christina Armstrong has been busy setting up a toy drive for Toys for Tots. Bring a new unwrapped toy or cash donation for the toy drive and your name will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket full of goodies from the vendors.




Hope to see you all there!

Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market, Meet the Vendors, Part 3

I've fallen a little behind on my vendor profiles so I thought I'd better get in gear and do some more.

Here are some more of the vendors who are signed up for
the Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market.

Don't know what I'm talking about?
Catch up on what's happening on the links below.

Announcing the Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market

Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market, Meet the Vendors, Part 1

Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market, Meet the Vendors, Part 2

Meet Vicki Brunner of Vic's Festive Expressions.

Vicki and her daughter, Tessa.

Vicki makes personalized candy bar wrappers which are perfect for stocking stuffers or secret santa gifts. What a great idea! She also makes candy bouquets, gift baskets and seasonal crafts. Vicki can also personalize water bottles for any special event. She has a gazillion great ideas for a number of personalized projects. Stop by her booth and check it out. I am sure you will find the perfect gift for someone on your Christmas list!

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Meet Robin Wescher of Rockin' Robin Creations.

"He rocks in the tree tops all day long
Hoppin' and a-boppin' and singing his song..."

I love that song! Can't help but tap my toes just thinking about it! Hee, hee! I'll think of the song now every time I see Robin!

Robin will be selling her handmade warm and cozy fleece blankets, throws and pillows. She also creates beautiful fabric bound photo albums and journals perfect for your treasured family memories. You need to check out her line of hand make greeting cards as well.

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Meet Margie Murphy of Heirloom Recipes. Margie is from Torrington and is very excited to be a part of the Scottsbluff Winter Market. Let's pray for good weather on the market days so Margie and the other out of town vendors don't have problems getting to market!

Margie is planning on bringing caramel sticky rolls, cream cheese frosted cinnamon rolls, banana bread, pumpkin bread and cranberry-orange bread. Margie will also take orders for cheesecakes! Nothing is better than a homemade cheesecake, seriously!

Stock up on some of Margie's sweets, put them in the freezer and you will not have to bake for the holidays!

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I must include the Green Valley Homesteaders as well even though they aren't really a vendor, but in a way you could say they are. Wynne Buehler, Bill Snocker and John Jessup filled the market with toe tappin', hand slappin' music at the first market on November 6th.

Bill Snocker, Wynne Buehler and John Jessup

I contacted Wynne about playing at a few of the markets and told him about my dismal entertainment budget ($0) and he said they'd be happy to play at the Market at no cost to us, but would play solely for tips. How cool is that? So if you really like having them there at the market, please, please, please let them know and support them with your generous tips! All tips generously given are graciously received!

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Here's the market dates for the season!

Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market, Meet the Vendors, Part 2

Here are some of the vendors who are signed up for
the Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market.

Don't know what I'm talking about?
Catch up on what's happening on the links below.

Announcing the Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market

Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market, Meet the Vendors, Part 1



And now for some new faces...

Meet Laura Whelchel of Laura's Herbal Apothecary
Click here to check out her great website

Laura is from Harrisburg and will be offering 100% goat milk soap, lotion, body butter, lip balm, FUDGE, herbal tinctures, organic soap nuts, handcrafted face clothes and wooden soap holders.

Laura is new to the Scottsbluff Farmer's Market and we are excited to welcome her aboard!

Read more about Laura on her website.
Who We Are - Laura's Herbal Apothecary


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Meet Chuck & Carolyn Driver of Blue Heeler Glass
Click here to check out their website

Chuck & Carolyn along with their daughter Connie, are regular vendors at the Morrill Farmers Market. They have some of the most beautiful and truly unique glass beads I have ever seen. What a talented family the three of them are. They will be offering their beautiful handmade art glass lampwork beads along with home made breads. Insider tip: the bread is often still hot from the oven!! If I close my eyes and think back to the Morrill market, I can smell Carolyn's bread!

You can also check out their beads at their Esty Shop
Beautifully simple components by bluhealer on Esty



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Meet Melanie West of MWestDesigns

Melanie is from Lisco and will be offering handcrafted rag rugs and and unique tin art. Melanie is also new to the Scottsbluff Farmers Market and we are very excited to see her wares!

You can check out Melanie's unique rag rugs and tin art on her Esty store.

Melaine also has a blog, MWestDesigns.



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Meet Leanne Knox of Lyman. Leanne is also a newbie to the farmers markets. Leanne has participated in many craft fairs in the past, but after giving the craft show thing a break, she is ready to start selling her wares again and is excited to be participating the Winter Farmers Market.

Leanne will be offering handcrafted dolls, kitchen items and various crafts along with handcrafted furniture. Leanne also is a wonderful baker and will be offering various homemade goodies such as PIES, cakes, caramel apples, fudge, BUTTERBALLS, breads and cookies.

I have eaten many of Leanne's dishes and can personally testify that she is a wonderful cook!!!



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You know, I haven't even mentioned that we are a vendor.


So... meet Dan & Kathi Manville of the Open A Bar 2 Ranch.
Yes, Dan the Man is actually going to work the Winter Market! (hee, hee)
They will be offering their all-natural beef, farm fresh eggs, baked goods (have you tried Kathi's "Death by Chocolate Cake" or the "Darn Good Chocolate Cake"?) along with some of Kathi's Primitive Folk Art.

Check out their website
Open A Bar 2 Ranch, LLC

and Kathi's Store on Ebay
(which desperately needs some more goods in it!)
Sassy Cat Folk Art Studio
or this link for some pictures of Kathi's previous work
Some of Kathi's Folk Art


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Did you know that the Winter Market is on Facebook?
User name: ScottsbluffWinter FarmersMarket
Become a friend to keep posted on market happenings!



Well, that's all I have time for now. I have to make two cakes for the computer club for Skyler. He always volunteers me to make the desserts, at least he has faith in me in that department, other wise, according to his thinking, I am so misinformed on the ways of the world! hee, hee. Typical teenage boy...

Oh Skyler also said that "the only thing the computer club does is meet in the computer room and that is why they are the computer club." The club has nothing to do with computers? I wonder what exactly it is that they do then? Do they just meet every once in a while so they can have an excuse for me to make dessert for them??? Hmmm...

Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market, Meet the Vendors, Part 1

Here are some of the vendors who are signed up for the Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market.

Don't know what I'm talking about? Catch up on what's happening on the link below.

Announcing the Scottsbluff Winter Farmers Market

Click here to read more about Sarah and the Victory Hill Farm.

Click here to read more about Styria Bakery.

Bob Sharp and his Outrageous Spice Rub
Surface of the Sun (SOS)

Judy Meter & Heidi Robertus
These Ladies know how to bake some delicious treats!


Read about Bob, Judy & Heidi in this previous post.
They are both summer market vendors.

Bob Sharp and Judy Meter & Heidi Robertus



Christina Armstrong Beeloved Jam

Read about Christina in this post
Christina Armstrong and her Beeloved Jam!

Mary & Mike Armstrong
Creative Bubbles

Read about Mike & Mary here
Mary Armstrong and her Creative Bubbles

Jane Sedman
Mamma Jane's Artisan Breads

Click here to read more about Jane in this post.

Ernest Griffiths
E Bee Honey

Click here to read more about Ernie in this post.

There are even MORE vendors
but I need to take a break...

to be continued.

WindHarvest Farm Raspberry Festival!

I just got off the phone with Jeff Edwards at the WindHarvest Farms. They are having their 1st Annual Raspberry Festival tomorrow, September 25th from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM.


They have several varieties of Raspberries.

Red Raspberries

Varieties: Polka, Polana, Joan J, Himbo Top & Caroline

Yellow Raspberries

Variety: Anne

Diane and Jeff said everyone is welcome to enjoy the day. There will be Food, Music and Berries.

If you have missed out on their produce this year... don't fret, it might not be too late.

Cantaloupe are now available-picked daily and available on the farm or at the Farmers markets!

Rhubarb season is over-there may be some in the freezer though.

Fresh Frozen Strawberries are available.

Fresh Frozen sweet corn on the cob and sweet corn off-the-cob are available.



Click on the link below for more info!
WindHarvest Farms

Hope to see you there!

Flower Field Farm

Country Chicken Girl once again reporting from the Farmers' Market located in downtown Scottsbluff at 18th & Broadway every Saturday from 7-11am. I have been doing short little stories on the individual vendors at the market. If you've missed the previous posts, here they are:

Bob Sharp and Judy Meter & Heidi Robertus

Bill & Arlene Grassmick, Wildcat Produce and Nina's Catering & Event Planning

Styria Bakery, Roger Brown, Victory Hill Farm and Ernest Griffiths

Dee's Pantry and Gary's Garden

Mary Armstrong and Her Creative Bubbles

Dan, the CSA Man

Christina Armstrong and Her Beeloved Jam

Flower Field Farm

Meet the crew at the Flower Field Farm. What a great addition they have been to the Farmers' Market this year. Nathaniel and Rylee live on an organic wheat farm/cattle ranch in Banner County. The land is owned by Nathaniel's parents, Roger Lee Jr. and LaDona McGowan. Nathaniels's great-grandfather homesteaded the land over 100 years ago.

Nathaniel and Rylee wanted to spend more "working" hours at home and raising their family, Delaney 4, Eddie 3, Teagan 18 mos. and Rayfe 4 mos. Joy moved to Banner County in 2006 to be closer to family and quality schools for her children, Noah 15 and Kadan 13.

Together they offer a variety of products at the Farmers' Market including heirloom vegetables, freshly baked breads and pies, farm fresh eggs, cookies, and cinnamon rolls.

This is a hard working group of people dedicated to the land on which they live and their community. Nathaniel's mother, LaDona, will be growing produce for the Flower Filed Farm next year as will his twin brothers and their wives, Roger & Mandy and Ben & Tory. They plan to expand their offering and will be attending more markets next season. They also are adding 100 new hens this coming spring along with offering all natural pork.

You can read more about the Flower Field Farm on PrairieBloom.com.
Flower Field Farm on PrairieBloom

Who can resist a homemade pie?

What a selection!
Don't want a whole pie? Buy a small pie!
(But who wouldn't want a WHOLE pie??)

Heirloom Vegetables

Fresh Baked Bread

Yumm-o!

Nathaniel & Rylee's youngest, Rayfe.

Awww, I just want to squeeze and kiss those sweet cheeks!