Check out my experience on a family-owned dairy farm, and a delicious peanut butter cookie skillet for you to enjoy!
Over two days, I had a fantastic experience with all things dairy-related. Our first visit was to Prairie Farms, a farmer-owned company. And the other was a family-owned dairy farm owned by the Crandell Family.
Two brothers along with their families now own this farm and are fifth-generation farmers. They own and care for 330 cows and also grow their own feed for the cows including corn, wheat, alfalfa and soybeans.
In addition to touring the farm we also had the opportunity to have dinner on the farm with the family.
It was quite enlightening to hear from and learn from a farmer first-hand. They discussed several concerns, issues, and joys of being a farmer.
We also visited Prairie Farms, a farmer-owned company that distributes milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream and more!
We were given a behind-the-scenes tour. It started with milk being delivered in large semi-trucks all the way to the milk being bottled and labeled for distribution.
Antibiotic Use in Dairy Cows
One issue that consumers have is the concern of antibiotics being found in milk.
Firstly, the farmers themselves check the milk before it leaves the farm. Then the driver and the dairy plant also check the milk once it arrives.
Some cows do receive antibiotics if they get sick, this is not something farmers hide.
This is just like humans who take antibiotics when necessary. However, when milk is delivered to the distribution plant it is checked several times for any antibiotics. IF any are found, the farmer is given a SUBSTANTIAL fine and the the milk is discarded.
Keep in mind farmers wanti to keep the public safe, especially since they drink the same milk we do! It would also not be financially feasible to be fined for the discover of antibiotics in their milk .
We ended our tour cooking at an amazing restaurant in Grand Rapids called Zazio’s.
Their chef was an awesome assistant in helping us all cook a Mexican-themed meal together.
Our team was in charge of a beverage, appetizer and dessert.
This peanut butter cookie skillet below was inspired by the chocolate chip cookie skillet we made for our dessert.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
- 1 cup 2 sticks butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Using a mixer, beat together sugar, peanut butter, butter and eggs until well mixed.
- In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to mixer and stir just until blended.
- Place cookie dough into a seasoned 10-inch cast iron skillet.
- Add Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures to top of cookie dough.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Notes
Want to learn more about the dairy industry in addition to more delicious recipes and nutrition tidbits? Check out the Milk Means More website or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
Disclaimer: I was not compensated to write this post, however lodging and meals were provided for this tour. And as always, all the opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.
This Peanut Butter Cookie Skillet + A Family-Owned Dairy Tour post first appeared on Chocolate Slopes.
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Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
Wednesday 30th of September 2015
Sounds like a fun trip! I love learning the ins and outs of how our food supply works. And this skillet looks insanely delish!
Deanna Segrave-Daly
Wednesday 30th of September 2015
Ahhh - this brings me back to my days at the Dairy Councils - I love love meeting farmers and glad you were able to tour a few stellar dairy farms and share the information that you learned :) And dang, does that cookie look GOOD.
Allie
Tuesday 29th of September 2015
There's nothing like a warm chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven
Elizabeth Shaw
Tuesday 29th of September 2015
YUM! I got a skillet a little while ago (yes I know, late to the game) but I love it! Anytime I can whip it out I am all about it. I will pin this for sure, weekend creation in Fall! I think yes!