Think Outside the Barn

Friday Fixin's - Chocolate Pavlova

When you're hard boiling and dyeing eggs this weekend, keep a few fresh ones back to use in this delicious dessert. It looks like spring with it's fresh fruit topping and has a light texture perfect for wrapping up a holiday meal. 

We've tried this dessert. The Missouri Egg Council typically makes this for our Taste of AgriMissouri reception at the Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture. For farm fresh Missouri egg producers visit AgriMissouri.com.

Fun Fact - Pavlova is named after the Russian ballet dancer, Anna Pavlova, from one of her trips to New Zealand or Australia in the 1920s.  There is an ongoing dispute between the two countries as to which one it should have the credit for this treat.

Ingredients

• 3 egg whites
• 1 tablespoon raspberry vinegar or red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 cups fresh fruit, such as fresh raspberries, peeled and cut up kiwi fruit, and/or seeded, peeled and sliced mango

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper. Use a pencil to draw or trace an 8-inch circle on the paper. Turn paper pencil-side down; set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl beat the egg whites, vinegar, vanilla, salt and cream of tartar with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until egg whites are foamy. In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup sugar, cocoa powder and cornstarch. Continue to beat the egg white mixture on medium to high speed while gradually adding the sugar mixture. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form (tips stand straight).
3. Spoon egg white mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spreading to fill the circle, and smoothing with a spatula to make a flat top.
4. Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degree F. Bake for 30 minutes more or until meringue is cracked on top. Turn oven off. Let stand in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
5. In a large bowl, beat the whipping cream and 1 tablespoon sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed or with a whisk until stiff peaks form. Place meringue on a serving platter. Top with the whipped cream, spreading evenly to within 1/2 inch of the edges. Arrange fruit on top of cream. Cover loosely and chill 30 to 60 minutes. To serve, slice into wedges. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Nutrition Facts

(Chocolate Pavlova)

Servings Per Recipe 8, chol. (mg) 41, Fat, total (g) 12, sat. fat (g) 7, fiber (g) 2, calcium (mg) 71, iron (mg) 1, cal. (kcal) 265, vit. C (mg) 37, vit. A (IU) 632, carb. (g) 38, sodium (mg) 70, pro. (g) 3

Recipe and image from midwestliving.com and information from wikipedia.org.

Friday Fixin's - Morel Mushroom Pasta

We started thinking about morels when we saw a post by The Urban Farming Guys sharing that they found 210 morel mushrooms yesterday in a burned out forest in St. Louis. One member of the team even encouraged their relatives to get out there and start hunting (who we can't name to protect their favorite hunting spot!) - she came back with a heaping colander of morels.

If you don't have a guide willing to share their favorite spots and advice, try taking a look at the Missouri Department of Conservation tips for seeking out these treasures before you go mushroom hunting.

After you've found your morels, there are many ways to prepare them.  One option is to slice the mushrooms and soak them for an hour in saltwater - then try this recipe from St. Louis Chef Chris Desens who now teaches at the Culinary Institute of St. Louis at Hickey College. This was the AgriMissouri winning recipe at the 2003 Governor's Conference on Agriculture and a special feature in the Spring 2004 edition of Green Horizons magazine by the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

Morel Mushroom Pasta - AgriMissouri Gold Medal Winner
2 ½ oz. Fresh Black Pepper Fettuccine
1 Tbs. Clarified Butter
2 tsp. Shallots, minced
½ cup morel mushrooms (Chef Desens recommends Ozark Forest Mushrooms if you can't find your own)
¼ cup Asparagus, peeled, blanched and diced
1 Tbs. Stone Hill Winery Seyval
½ cup Heavy Cream
1 Tbs. Roasted Garlic
¼ cup Burger's Country Ham, diced
1 Tbs. Lemon Zest
1 Tbs. Fresh Basil, minced from Herb Gathering, Inc
1 tsp. Fresh Tarragon, minced from Herb Gathering, Inc
1 tsp. Fresh Parsley, minced from Herb Gathering, Inc
1 tsp. Fresh Chives, minced from Herb Gathering, Inc
2 Tbs. Whole Butter
¾ cup Parmesan Cheese
To Taste: Salt and Pepper from McCarthy Spice and Blends

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and pasta. Heat a large sauté pan over high heat. Add clarified butter. Once the butter is hot, add the shallots and morel mushrooms. Allow to sauté for one minute. Add asparagus. After another minute, deglaze pan with Stone Hill Winery Seyval. Reduce heat and add the heavy cream and the roasted garlic. Stir and allow to reduce. Check the pasta. When done, add to the pan along with the rest of the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve in a warm pasta bowl. Serves 1

 Morel Mushroom photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Friday Fixin's - Missouri Rice Salad

This recipe is here by popular demand. At the 2012 Missouri Governor's Confernece of Agriculture, the Missouri Rice Council kept us all well fed providing rice for several of the meals. This recipe from the Taste of AgriMissouri Reception was the most requested of the entire conference and we are proud to bring it to you with just one change - stepping up the dressing to Ott's Italian Dressing. Because things from Missouri just taste better!

Directions

Prepare three cups of Missouri rice according to package directions, then chill the cooked rice.

Add 1/3 cup of each of the following:

• Crumbled Feta Cheese
• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Sliced Black Olives
• Chopped Green Pepper
• Chopped Red Pepper
• Chopped Roma Tomatoes
• Diced Red Onion
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Combine ingredients, chill well and add Ott's Creamy Italian Dressing before serving... (approximately 6 ounces... half a bottle of dressing... or more if you like!)

Eat MO Rice!

 

Highlights of Missouri Governor’s Conference on Ag Now Available Online

Highlights from the 2012 Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture are now available online on the Department's website, mda.mo.gov. The videos feature sessions and guests from the Conference, which was held Jan. 19-21, and included more than 50 speakers and 15 panel discussions and seminars. 

The 2012 Governor’s Conference on Agriculture brought agricultural leaders and countless organizations from throughout the U.S. together to discuss current issues and opportunities for agriculture.  Speakers included not only Governor Nixon and Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler, but also USDA Acting Under Secretary Michael Scuse, University of Missouri System President Designate Timothy Wolfe and directors, secretaries and commissioners of agriculture from 10 states.

The Conference, which was held in Kansas City for the first time, also included the Taste of AgriMissouri reception during which more than two dozen producers shared their Missouri-grown foods and beverages with attendees, a benefit auction which raised $12,000 for FFA, 4-H, ALOT and AFA programs for youth and young professionals in agriculture, and a special performance from country music star Mark Chesnutt. 

A copy of the full agenda is available on https://mda.mo.gov/governor_conference/. Photos from the Conference are also available online via the Department's Flickr stream at flickr.com/moagriculture.

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.

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.

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. :)

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.

Country Music Star Mark Chesnutt to Play at Governor's Conference on Ag

We're very excited to announce that the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture will include a concert by platinum recording artist Mark Chesnutt.  This will be Chesnutt’s first time at the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture.

Chesnutt, a singer-songwriter with hits including “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” “Blame it on Texas” and “Brother Jukebox” has had three platinum records and 14 No. 1 singles during his career.  His chart-topping songs also include “It Sure is Monday,” “I Just Wanted You to Know” and “Almost Goodbye.” The concert is sponsored by St. Louis-based Novus International.

The concert will follow the Saturday evening awards banquet.  The event is open to the public; however tickets for the Mark Chesnutt concert will not be sold separately.  Everyone is encouraged to register for the conference and enjoy all of the sessions, discussions and activities Jan. 19-21.

The 2012 Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture will be held at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City. Conference registration is open to the public.  For more information visit the Department online at mda.mo.gov.