My Christmas at the farm

December 29, 2009

It was a white Christmas at my farm and I had a lovely time there with my daughter Alexis and our good friend, Kevin Sharkey. We spent a great deal of time outdoors visiting all of the animals in their various living environs, making sure that everyone was healthy and happy. We also cooked a fabulous fettuccini from scratch and tossed it with butter and white truffle. It was simply fabulous!

: I made a simple but delicious fettucine – 2 cups 00 flour, 3 eggs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Process in a food processor until a ball forms. Knead a minute or two and cut into noodles using the Kitchen Aid pasta attachment.

: Two magnificent white truffles on my prized truffle slicer – you can find a similar one at J.B. Prince Company in NYC. www.jbprince.com

: This is a bowl of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. We boiled the pasta in salted water, put it on a giant platter, tossed in the cheese and a stick of melted butter, and sliced the truffles on top, sprinkling generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper – there is no better pasta!!!!!!

: The donkeys also wanted to talk, and they were asking for carrots and apples and love.

: Rufus stuck his face into the lens.

: Rufus and Billie laughing

: Rufus is so handsome and he loves the snow and the holidays.

: The chickens were all out during the day. It was about 25 degrees F, but sunny, and they were enjoying pumpkin and vegetable scraps from the kitchen.

: To encourage the hens and roosters to eat the nutritious pumpkin, we sprinkled cracked corn over it. All the pumpkins were left over from the TV set and my magazine’s Halloween stories for next October.

: Sharkey is always desirous of getting in the coop to wreak havoc – She would instantly kill the hens despite my constant instructions to be nice.

: This red sweater is really well-made, but I need to shorten the tail end, if you see what I mean.

: I’m always careful to check the livestock when I am at home to make certain that everyone who cares for the animals understands their needs and wants.