This time of year I frequent the Farmers Markets. Any and every one I locate. I love them! A couple of months ago we spent our Saturday morning at a local market I had just discovered. As always, we made our way around as to not miss a booth. Thats when I made a life-changing discovery. The new addiction of everyone in my household. Soledad Goats. They are a small business smack in the heat of Mojave California. They make goat cheese. Now, Ive honestly never been a huge fan of goat cheese myself but apparently thats because I hadnt met these people. They make the most incredible flavors like Sweet Pepper, Garlic and Herb, Wildflower Honey, Jalapeno and my all time favorites, Port Wine and Lavender Lemon. They are incredible! My 1 year old twins eat it with a spoon for an afternoon snack. We cant get enough. Last week I was expecting company from out-of-town and really wanted to have some on hand for them during their visit. I looked up the phone number and gave them a call to find out where I could get some cheese at a moments notice. The man I spoke to on the phone was extremely accommodating. He explained that they were packing up to head to a market in LA but he would set aside some for me if I wanted to just run by and pick it up at the farm. Being that they are only about 20 minutes from me, I agreed. My daughter Hannah and I went over and ended up spending at least an hour. Just talking and being shown around. Soledad Goats makes incredible goat cheese but that is just the icing on the cake. They are also an animal rescue. There were goats, pigs, roosters, cows, dogs, sheep and even birds. Everwhere we looked there were more animals. We were told how animals are often dumped, starving and neglected, at the gate to their property. They never turn anything away. Their food bill alone there is almost $4000. The sale of the cheese basically came about as a way to feed all those animals. They are incredible people. And as much as I already loved their wonderful cheeses it makes me feel better to know that they are also doing good in the world. So if you are ever lucky enough to come across them at a market near you give them a try. If not for the sheer purpose of contributing, then maybe for the purpose of a new addiction.

 

This is the Jalapeno Goat Cheese on fresh baked Honey Flax Bread

 

Honey Flax Bread

 

Warm Water

Orange Blossom Honey

2 1/4 tsp yeast

3 cups unbleached flour

1 1/2 cups ground flax

3 tbsp chia seeds

1/4 cup flax seed

1/8 cup coconut oil

1/8 cup olive oil

 

Mix together the warm water and honey until disolved. Add the yeast and let stand 10 minutes. 

Add all the other ingredients. Mix thoroughly. I always use my hands for this. It is really the best way to get it done. Place the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover and let stand 45 minutes. I usually just throw a clean kitchen towel over the bowl. Basically you just dont want a draft to hit it. After the 45 minutes, punch and knead the dough. Place it in a greased and floured loaf pan. Let stand for 1 hour. I sit it covered on the stove and start preheating to 375 degrees. The heat will help the bread rise. Bake for 20-30 minutes. It is much more dense than your typical bread and slightly sweet and crunchy. And lets not overlook how good it is for you and your family. Even my babies love it! I use the Orange Blossom honey because I love the flavor and it is easy to get in my area but any honey would due. Try it out. Enjoy!