If I was stuck on an island, the egg would be the food I would have with me.

Eggs are naturally nutrient-dense and high in protein and vitamins that are bioavailable and essential.

And, it has been argued that the eggs coming off the farm are the best eggs people have ever had. Our chickens roam freely on organically-managed pastures allowing them to eat their natural omnivorous diet of bugs, grass and grains. We also feed organic, non-GMO feed and seasonal veggies that come off the farm which produces eggs with a deep orange yolk and firm whites.

Eggs from these girls contain up to:

• 20 times more omega-3 fatty acids

• 25% less saturated fat and 34% less cholesterol

• 70% more beta carotene

• 50% more vitamin A & up to 60% more vitamin D

Similar to our eggs, I have had people eat one of our pasture-raised chickens and say they “could never go back.” By ‘back’, they mean to the store-bought-bland-stuff-claiming-to-be-chicken.

These birds are started at 2-3 days old with organic feed, free choice apple cider vinegar, kefir, and heat lamps.

When they start to get feathers, they are put into our movable coops that are on fresh pasture grass and moved daily to provide more insects for the birds to eat and a cleaner environment for them to live.

They are then harvested between 6-8 weeks and weigh 3.5-6 lbs.

And once you try one, I have a sneaking suspicion that you too will never go back. They are that good.

The conversation went like this:

My mother: “Tanda, have you ever considered raising Guinea hens?”

Me: “Yes, and NOT a chance...have you heard how loud they are?”

My mother: “Yes, but I was just talking to a friend of mine, and she said they are known for eating ticks and keeping the tick population down.”

Me: “I just ordered 30.”

Another South African breed that we have on the farm, and they are still babies. So, the verdict is out on how annoying they are going to be (or not be). But if they can help deal with the massive amount of ticks we have here in Tennessee, then they are worth their weight in gold.

Plus, I have earplugs.

Ducks are near and dear to my heart and (earmuffs everyone on the farm) miiiiiiight be the cutest farm animal baby of all time.

They are also one of the most entertaining animals we have.

They are also the happiest of any animal I have ever seen.

• If it’s sunny out, they are happy.

• If it’s snowing out, they are happy.

• If it’s nighttime, they are happy.

• If it’s daytime, they are happy.

• If it’s hailing, they are happy.

• And if it’s raining, they are EXTRA happy.

God? Make me more like a duck.

We have them here on the farm for pure enjoyment. I have raised them for meat and eggs and both are delicious and maybe I will again some day, but for now they are better than any Netflix series.

I started a rule several years back that if I was gonna spend the time and money on a plant, then I should be able to eat it.

That goes for flowers too.

So I began an edible landscape. It soon took off to be one of the signature things at my farm table.

Salads created as a bouquet of nasturtiums, day lilies and chive flowers. Plates decorated with pansies and lavender. Drinks garnished with thyme and rose petals.

They have a way of taking your plate from beautiful food to a piece of art.

And beautiful art tastes better.

I have a soft spot for all herbs. I think they are the magic in food. When they are used, they take food to the next level and beyond. I enjoy them with every meal, every day, every time.

Salads with whole basil leaves, herbed butter over steak, chives sprinkled on fresh corn on the cob, julienned mint leaves in dressings, chimmichurri drizzled over duck fat fried potatoes… really, your imagination is the only limiting factor.

I grow all herbs. I use all herbs. I love all herbs. I encourage you to do the same (at least the love and use part).