Have a Brighter Easter with SMC Eggs

Did you know you can dye brown eggs instead of white for a different range of colors? When brown eggs are immersed in dye, they take on darker, bolder colors.

The Dye

Mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 20 drops of food coloring (use more to intensify color) in 1 cup of hot water in a heatproof bowl, cup, or jar deep enough to let you submerge an egg completely. To create different tints, vary the dipping time. To make handling the eggs easier, use tongs or a whisk.

Dye your eggs naturally using everyday ingredients! For directions visit our blog post on All Natural Egg Dyes.

Egg Dyeing Tips

• Before you begin dyeing eggs, protect your work area with paper towels or newspaper.
• Save your eggs from year to year or turn them into ornaments to hang from branches! Instead of hard-boiling the eggs, blow out the yolks and egg whites before dyeing them. To empty a raw egg, begin by using the tip of a sharp utility knife to pierce both ends of the egg; turn the knife in one of the holes to widen it slightly. Then, poke a straightened paper clip through the larger hole to pierce and "stir" the yolk. Hold the egg over a bowl with the larger hole down, and blow the contents out with a rubber ear syringe.
• Broken shells? Don’t throw them away! Crunch the dyed shells into little pieces to make a beautiful mosaic.
• Most naturally-dyed eggs have a matte finish. For shinier eggs rub eggs with coconut or olive oil and polish with a paper towel.

Egg Patterns and Designs

Try these different techniques for creative designs and patterns on your Easter Eggs!

Two-tone: Dip top half of egg in 1 color and the bottom half in another.

Dots and Shapes: Before dyeing, place stickers on the eggs. Once dry, remove stickers. Try using shapes or animals for different designs!

Stripes: Place rubber bands on the eggs before dyeing to create the design of choice. Once dry, remove rubber bands.

Personalized: Draw zig zags or pictures on the egg with a white or light colored crayon before dyeing.

Glitter: Use Glitter Glue to add sparkling designs on eggs. Allow glue to dry on eggs before moving.

Marbled: Mix 1/4 cup boiling water, 1 teaspoon vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon oil and 4 to 8 drops food color in shallow bowl. Gently roll egg in mixture until desired shade. Transfer egg to second color mixture, and repeat the process. After egg dries, wipe away excess oil with paper towel.

Color Wash: Place several eggs in a colander in the kitchen sink. Splash eggs with vinegar. Drop desired food color onto eggs. Gently shake the colander for a few seconds to help the color spread. After 30 seconds, lightly rinse eggs with water. Drain completely. Allow eggs to dry.

Get Cultured with Greek Yogurt

Eight Benefits of Greek Yogurt (One for every flavor)

A bowl of Greek yogurt is fortified with essential nutrients—it can even help with weight loss. Greek yogurt is made by separating out the liquid whey, which results in a thicker texture with fewer carbohydrates and sugar, and more protein than regular yogurt.

1. Protein

Protein is essential for good health. It is vital to cell growth, building muscle, and repairing tissue. As you age, you need more protein to keep your skin healthy and to fight off illness. Greek yogurt is a great way to boost your protein levels while avoiding heavier foods.

2. Digestive Health

Healthy bacteria help to promote a healthy stomach. Greek yogurt is packed with probiotics, or microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast. These normally live in your intestines, and having good microorganisms in your intestines helps keep you healthy. Probiotics are great for the digestive system, and especially helpful to people who suffer from conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

3. Vitamins and Minerals

One serving is a significant source of potassium, phosphorous, riboflavin, iodine, zinc, and vitamin B5. Greek yogurt also contains B12, a vitamin necessary for energy and healthy brain function. Many choose Greek yogurt as a natural alternative to Vitamin B12 supplements.

4. Prevent High Blood Pressure

Did you know 70 percent of us consume more than twice the recommended amount of salt? The potassium in yogurt may help flush some of the excess sodium out of your body. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adults who ate the most low-fat dairy (two or more servings per day) were 54 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who ate the least.

5. Smile!

A yogurt a day can keep the doctor away. Despite its sugar content, Greek yogurt doesn't cause cavities. The lactic acid in yogurt gives your gums protection as well. People who eat at least two ounces a day have a 60 percent lower risk of acquiring severe periodontal disease than those who skip it.

6. Workout Recovery

Greek yogurt can be a healthy and satisfying treat after a tough workout. Not only will it tide you over until your next meal, but the protein in Greek yogurt can repair damage done by exercise.

Greek yogurt is rich in the amino acids which make up proteins, and proteins are the building blocks for regenerating muscle tissue and repairing fiber damage. Add a banana or fresh berries for a nutrition-packed post workout snack.

7. Build Strong Bones

Greek yogurt provides important nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and protein, which work together to promote strong, healthy bones.

8. Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a sensitivity to the milk sugar called lactose. The National Institutes of Health and National Medical Association suggest that people with lactose intolerance should, however, keep milk and dairy products in their diet. The lower amount of lactose found in Greek yogurt is due to the straining process, making this rich, creamy food a lactose-intolerant friendly one. As a bonus, the probiotics found in Greek yogurt also help breakdown the lactose sugar, making it easier to digest.

Don’t care for the texture of Greek yogurt? Try to incorporate yogurt into a smoothie drink. Alternately, you can use it as a topping on other foods. Use it as a substitute for sour cream on top of chili or baked potatoes. You could also make your own popsicles at home by freezing Greek yogurt with fresh fruit.

Try our new Greek yogurt from Green Mountain Creamery and get cultured! Our new Greek yogurt will come in 8 flavors: Black Cherry, Maple, Strawberry, Blueberry, Peach, Vanilla, Plain, and Raspberry. This deliciously simple, smooth and creamy all-natural treat boasts five live and active yogurt cultures, probiotics, and lots of protein and calcium. Fresh from Green Mountain Creamery in Vermont, it’s the next hit on your snack list.

Sources:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/86488-benefits-greek-yogurt/

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/nutrition/health-benefits-of-yogurt/

A Dozen Reasons to Eat More Eggs

A Dozen Reasons to Eat More Eggs

1. PROTEIN On average, eggs have 6 grams of high-quality protein! The protein found in eggs is one of the highest-quality proteins of any food. Not all of the protein is found in the egg white—some of it is in the yolk! A protein-packed breakfast helps sustain mental and physical energy throughout the day. 

2. GLUTEN-FREE Eggs are naturally gluten-free. Always have been, always will be. 

3. CHOLINE Eggs are rich in choline, which promotes normal cell activity, liver function and the transportation of nutrients throughout the body. Choline is also essential to healthy fetal development. Choline may be a key factor in the development of an infant’s memory functions. It has also been linked with increasing memory retention and recall as well as improving alertness.

4. AMINO ACIDS Eggs have all 9 essential amino acids. Our cells, muscles and tissue are partly made up of amino acids. They also play a key role in transporting and the storing nutrients. Amino acids are essential for healing wounds and repairing tissue, especially in the muscles, bones, skin and hair.

5. CERTIFIED HUMANE South Mountain Creamery meets The Humane Farm Animal Care program standards. These standards include a nutritious diet without antibiotics or hormones, animals raised with shelter, resting areas, sufficient space, and the ability to engage in natural behaviors!

6. PACKAGED AT SMC All of our eggs are laid and packaged on the farm. Watch a video on the egg packaging process here.

7. VITAMINS Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. A single large boiled egg contains:

• Vitamin A: 6% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances.
• Folate: 5% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances.
• Vitamin B5: 7% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances.
• Vitamin B12: 9% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances.
• Vitamin B2: 15% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances.
• Phosphorus: 9% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances. 
• Selenium: 22% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances.

8. MINERALS Eggs are packed with phosphorus, iron and zinc, which are vital for your body. Iron helps to prevent you from feeling grumpy, tired and run down. Zinc keeps your immune system in top form and helps your body convert food into energy. Phosphorus is important for healthy teeth and bones. 

9. OMEGA-3S Our eggs are high in Omega-3s! Our hens are fed Omega-3 enriched feeds, made of grains and seeds that are grown and harvested at SMC!

10. HEALTHY EYES Two antioxidants, leutin and zeaxanthin, are present in eggs and have been linked to protecting eyes from damage related to UV exposure. They have also been associated with reducing the likelihood of developing cataracts in old age.

11. ZERO CARBS Eggs contain zero carbs and no sugar. 

12. FEEL FULL Eggs keep you feeling full much longer than cereal or toast. The protein and fat in eggs helps sustain your energy levels, keeping you satisfied for longer and reducing the need for a mid-morning snack.

Have South Mountain Creamery Certified Humane Eggs delivered straight to your door! www.southmountaincreamery.com

SMC Fresh Veggies

Meet Larry Gude, from Gude Brothers Greenhouses! 

Gude Brothers is a controlled environment farming venture, They are experts at growing greenhouse produce. With state-of-the-art growing facilities covering 1.5 acres, Gude Brothers combine constant sunshine, optimal temperatures, greenhouse protection and controls to create natural, wholesome produce season after season. They produce local, healthy food using sustainable, biological growing methods. Gude Brothers provide South Mountain Creamery with fresh Field Lettuce Mix, Asian Mix Lettuce, Arugula, and Kale daily!

Subscribe to South Mountain Creamery's YouTube page: www.youtube.com/user/SouthMtnCreamery

How SMC Milk is Made

At South Mountain Creamery, we do dairy differently! Our animals are raised from birth and cared for on the farm 24/7. SMC is a one-of-a-kind operation, allowing us to work from field to fork! 

Step 1 - Cows Grazing

One of our ladies enjoying a sunny afternoon in the fields!

In order for cows to produce milk – Cows have to eat…. And sleep.  Cows usually spend about 8 hours grazing, 12-14 hours sleeping and ruminating or chewing their cud, and 2 hours milking. Our cows get to graze in their pasture on our family farm.  They graze in the morning after milking and in the evening after milking, They get to relax and graze on grass. SMC cows eat a nutrient balanced ration of grains and grass that are grown and harvested right here at SMC. We raise our animals and grow and harvest our crops on six farms totaling over 2,000 acres.

Step 2 – Harvesting Milk

Karen explains the milking process in the Milking Parlor.

SMC cows are milked by hand two times each day at 1:30 am and 1:30 pm– rain or shine, 365 days a year. We also have an operational robotic farm, where our high producing cows can be milked up to six times per day! Milking time takes about 5 minutes per cow. We have a double ten herringbone milking machine, which allows us to milk 20 cows at one time.  This reduces the amount of time the cows wait to be milked. Nobody likes standing in line.  Milking machines mimic the action of a young calf by creating a pulsating vacuum around the teat, which causes the milk to be released from the udder.  Join us in the afternoon and watch the cows being milked in the milking parlor.

Step 3 – Storing Milk

The milk goes from the cow, through a pipe to our storage tank next door.  Milk is stored on farm at between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit until it is pumped to our on-farm production facility. The milk in our storage vats is stirred constantly so it does not separate. 

Step 4 – Transporting Milk

Milk is pumped to our on-farm processing facility daily through stainless steel pipes.  We eliminate temperature changes and transporting time because everything is done right here on the farm.

SMC uses glass milk bottles instead of plastic.

Step 5 – Processing Milk

Whole milk, once approved for use, is pumped into storage silos where it undergoes pasteurization, homogenization and bottling.

Pasteurization:

Every particle of milk is heated to a specific temperature for a short period of time to ensure all of our milk and ice cream are safe for human consumption. We use a High Temperature/Short Time pasteurization process – or HTST. This eliminates all bacteria that may be harmful to your health and ensures the highest quality, best tasting milk.  HTST is more expensive than regular pasteurizing processes but this guarantees the freshest and best tasting milk.

Homogenization:

The fat in milk naturally separates from the water and collects at the top. Homogenization shrinks the cream globules and uses a screen to push and shrink these cream globules. This process breaks the fat into tiny particles so it no longer separates.  The cream is then suspended throughout the milk. 

Bottling:

The milk is then put into our glass bottles.  Glass bottles ensure that SMC milk is the best tasting milk on the market.  It’s just one more way that you can taste the SMC difference.

Fresh milk. Delivered straight to your door!

Step 6 – Delivering Milk

Then milk is sent off in our delivery trucks to be delivered to your door! Our glass bottled milk is also available at our farm store. We also sell milk to restaurants and specialty stores.  SMC milk is the only milk that comes to you straight from the cow to your door because we do everything right here on the farm!


Learn more about the SMC Difference at www.southmountaincreamery.com!

Take a Look into Your Glass Bottle

Take a Look into your Glass Bottle...it's what's inside that counts!

Farming Since 1981
South Mountain Creamery is owned and operated by the Sowers Family: Randy, Karen, Ben, and Kate, in cooperation with more than 70 employees.

Farms & Fields
We use over 2,000 acres to raise animals, grow, and harvest crops.

Cows Raised from Birth
Our dairy cows are raised from birth at SMC! Watch a cow give birth in our maternity ward. See all of our calves in the calf barn and meet the Animal Planet calves & chicks. 

Free Choice Feeding
Cows graze in the fields after each milking. Our animals are fed with food harvested from our fields. Animals also have access to a Total Mixed Ration, a balanced diet including grass, hay, grains, and silage.

Twice Daily Milkings
Watch the cows being milked daily! Over 250 dairy cows are milked at 1:30am and 1:30pm.

On-Site Processing
SMC is Maryland's first on-farm dairy processing plant. Our fluid dairy products are packaged in glass bottles to be sustainable. We use HTST (High Temperature Short Time) Pasteurization to retain nutrients and flavor in a full dairy line.

Delivered to Your Door
...Or farm store! Milk is bottled and available the next day. Order through home deliery, at Karen's Kountry Store, two Baltimore Farmer's Markets, Local Restaurants, and specialty stores.

Come See for Yourself! 
South Mountain Creamery is open 24/7. Join us to watch the cows being milked and to bottle feed your own calf. See our production facility with a free tour during our Spring and Fall Festivals!

Learn more about the SMC Difference at www.southmountaincreamery.com

DC Restaurant Week 2015

DC Restaurant Week is January 19-25, 2015! 

Over 200 of Washington, DC restaurants are participating in the 2015 DC Restaurant Week! Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to experience Washington, DC’s best restaurants at affordable prices. 

South Mountain Creamery is proud to supply some of DC's restaurants, bakeries and stores with all natural dairy products. Visit them and support local businesses!

Fresh off the Roast: A Washington, DC-based small batch roastery providing a selection of recently roasted beans in the city. All beans are sold within three days of roast and all in-house coffee is brewed with beans that roasted within a week. 

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace welcomes you with a rustic décor that showcases a variety of repurposed items from around the United States.  A touch of southern hospitality is found in DC’s vibrant Logan Circle Neighborhood.  

Oyamel: Oyamel combines Mexico’s rich regional diversity with the modern urban atmosphere of Mexico City. The liveliness of the dining room is matched by the creativity of the menu and cocktail list, featuring antojitos—Mexican small plates—ceviches and tacos, plus unique margaritas, and an impressive array of wines and tequilas. 

Ice Cream Jubilee Union Kitchen: Made by friends in Washington, D.C. in small batches with all-natural local cream and the best ingredients they can find.

Read Apron Butchery:  Redefining the American butcher shop with a healthy dose of subversive attitude, fearless innovation and the best meats and meat products from Chef Nate Anda.

Bread Furst: A neighborhood bakery where Washingtonians can buy food for daily life or for celebration. At Bread Furst, you will find beautiful loaves of bread, bread with real character, pies, cakes and other pastries, breakfast foods of all sorts, and seasonally based savory foods for taking home.

Seasonal Pantry:  Seasonal Pantry’s Supper Club is a small 12 seat communal table restaurant. Serving one set multi-course menu four nights a week. Three days a week Seasonal Pantry is open to sell hand made products along with other pantry items.

Destination DC and the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) produce Washington, DC Restaurant Week twice a year, in the summer and the winter. A complete list of participating restaurants is posted at www.ramw.org/restaurantweek.