Beyond the Kitchen: A Food Blogger’s Autumn Walk Through Our North Dakota Ranch

The life of a food blogger, contrary to popular belief, isn’t solely confined to the warm embrace of a kitchen. While I certainly dedicate countless hours to the art of baking, cooking, testing recipes, and perfecting plating for that ideal photograph, a significant portion of my days unfolds behind a desk. There, I dive into the intricate world of writing engaging posts, meticulously editing photos to capture every delicious detail, networking with fellow creators, and meticulously planning my content calendar. It’s a dynamic blend of culinary creativity and digital strategy.

My husband, a dedicated rancher, often marvels at how much time I spend indoors, especially when the North Dakota sun graces us with its presence. For him, the outdoors is his office, his playground, and his passion. And he’s right; these beautiful, sunny days, particularly in our short-lived North Dakota summers and vibrant autumns, are a precious commodity. So, I make a conscious effort to soak up every ray, to feel the gentle breeze, and to reconnect with the natural world that surrounds our ranch. Last weekend, armed with my trusty camera, I set out for a leisurely stroll across our expansive property, eager to capture some of the everyday beauty I encounter. I thought, why not bring you along on this journey, sharing a glimpse into my world beyond the culinary creations?

So, here it is – a heartfelt tour of the sights and wonders I discovered during my afternoon walk, offering a peek into the rustic charm and serene beauty of ranch life.

Discovering Nature’s Bounty: Alfalfa Fields in Bloom

Our journey begins with the sight of these beautiful alfalfa flowers. More than just a pretty bloom, alfalfa is a vital component of sustainable ranching here in North Dakota. These lush fields are carefully cultivated and harvested multiple times throughout the growing season. Once cut and dried, the alfalfa is meticulously rolled into large bales, serving as a rich, nutritious feed source for our cattle during the harsh, long winter months when fresh pasture is unavailable. It’s a testament to the foresight and hard work that goes into ensuring our animals thrive year-round. Witnessing the cycle from vibrant green growth to stored winter sustenance is a profound reminder of the interconnectedness of our land and livelihood.

Cultivating Green: Our Ever-Growing Evergreen Sanctuary

Over the years, Garrat and I have poured countless hours and much love into planting a multitude of trees across the ranch. While evergreens, like the ones pictured here, certainly take their time to establish and grow tall, their enduring beauty and practical benefits make every effort worthwhile. These majestic trees not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our property, providing a serene backdrop against the vast North Dakota plains, but they also serve crucial functions such as creating natural windbreaks and offering shade for our livestock during the hot summer days. There’s a deep satisfaction in watching something you’ve planted years ago flourish, a living legacy that continually gives back to the land and its inhabitants.

The Promise of Sweetness: Our Humble Apple Tree

Further along my walk, I came across our blossoming apple tree. While it might not be a sprawling orchard, this single tree brings immense joy and a promise of deliciousness each autumn. There’s something truly special about harvesting your own fruit, knowing exactly where it came from and the care that went into nurturing it. I envision all the wonderful possibilities: crisp apple pies, homemade applesauce, or simply enjoying a fresh, juicy apple straight from the branch. It’s a small but significant part of our homegrown bounty, adding a touch of sweetness to our ranch life and inspiring countless future recipes in my kitchen.

Garrat’s Sweet Gesture: My Beloved Sunflowers

It’s no secret that sunflowers are my absolute favorite flower, and Garrat, being the thoughtful and sweet husband that he is, planted these specifically for me. Seeing them stand tall and proud, turning their faces towards the sun, always brings a smile to my face. Sunflowers are iconic to North Dakota, symbolizing resilience and beauty, and having our very own patch growing right here on the ranch is a constant source of happiness. They add a burst of vibrant yellow to the landscape, reminding me of Garrat’s love and the simple joys of country living. These golden giants truly make our ranch feel even more like home.

A Botanist’s Dream: Our Ginormous Pumpkin Patch

Oh my goodness, I wish you could all witness the sheer scale of the pumpkin patch we have at the ranch this year! Garrat, with his innate passion and talent for botany, truly goes all out when it comes to planting. What started as a few seeds has blossomed into an incredible sprawl of vines, now boasting an impressive collection of ginormous pumpkins. These aren’t just your average garden variety; some of these beauties are absolutely colossal! It’s amazing to see nature’s abundance and Garrat’s dedication come together to produce such a spectacular harvest. They’re certainly going to make for some impressive autumn decorations, and perhaps a massive pumpkin soup or two!

Say Hi to Harriet: Our Smartest Boston Terrier

As I continued my walk, I was greeted by our sweet Harriet! My in-laws have three wonderful Boston Terriers, and Harriet is the proud mama of the other two. She is an absolute delight – not only the sweetest and most affectionate dog you could ever meet, but also incredibly smart. Her bright eyes and curious nature always make for a fun interaction. Having dogs like Harriet on the ranch adds so much warmth and companionship to our daily lives. They truly are part of the family, bringing endless joy and laughter with their playful antics and loyal presence.

Autumn’s Sweet Promise: Our Sugar Pumpkins

And speaking of pumpkins, here are some of our more modest, but equally exciting, sugar pumpkins! Unlike their giant cousins, these are specifically grown for their delicious, sweet flesh, perfect for all sorts of culinary creations. The sight of these smaller, round pumpkins immediately fills my mind with inspiration for upcoming autumn baking projects. I’m already dreaming of fragrant pumpkin pies, creamy pumpkin soups, spiced lattes, and maybe even some savory pumpkin dishes. The harvest season truly is a food blogger’s paradise, offering an abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients to experiment with. Get ready for a delicious wave of pumpkin-infused recipes coming your way soon!

Garrat’s Gentle Touch: Feeding Our ‘Pet’ Cattle

This next sight always brings a smile to my face. Garrat truly treats his bulls and cows more like cherished pets than livestock. He has a unique way with animals, often feeding them directly from his hands, fostering a level of trust and affection that’s truly remarkable. Here he is, sharing corn on the cob with them. Remember that huge field of sweet corn Garrat meticulously grew this year? It was an exceptionally bountiful harvest! We ate tons of it fresh throughout the summer, savoring its sweetness. We also spent considerable time preserving it – dehydrating some for snacks, freezing copious amounts for winter meals, and canning jars of it for year-round enjoyment. Beyond our own needs, we generously shared with friends and neighbors, and even donated a significant portion to our local food pantry, ensuring nothing went to waste.

Despite all these efforts, we still had an incredible surplus. So, in a wonderful display of sustainable ranching, we’re now happily feeding the remaining corn to our appreciative cows. It’s a beautiful full-circle moment, highlighting our commitment to utilizing every bit of our harvest and ensuring our animals receive wholesome, homegrown sustenance. This is a common practice on many small, family-run farms and ranches, reflecting a deep respect for the land and its creatures.

The Heart of the Homestead: Our Chickens and Turkeys

And finally, completing our ranch tour, we have my mother-in-law’s lively flock of chickens. I am incredibly grateful for them and their abundant supply of farm-fresh eggs! There’s simply nothing quite like cracking open an egg laid just hours ago – the yolks are richer, the whites firmer, and the flavor is incomparably superior to anything store-bought. These eggs are a cornerstone of my kitchen, forming the basis for countless recipes, both sweet and savory. They embody the essence of fresh, sustainable food, right here at our fingertips.

This year, Garrat, with his characteristic enthusiasm for all things agricultural, convinced his mom to expand their poultry operation to include a few turkeys as well. And wow, have they grown! They’re absolutely massive and are thriving in our North Dakota environment. The anticipation for Thanksgiving this year is palpable, knowing that a significant part of our festive meal will come directly from our own ranch. It’s truly a blessing to live in such close proximity to nature’s bounty, providing fresh, wholesome food for our family and an endless source of inspiration for my food blogging adventures.

Embracing the Autumn Blessings

As my afternoon walk came to a close, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the beauty and productivity of our North Dakota ranch, especially during these enchanting autumn days. It’s a wonderful privilege to balance the fast-paced world of food blogging with the grounding reality of country living, to step away from the screen and immerse myself in the vibrant tapestry of nature. From the practical beauty of alfalfa fields to the personal joy of homegrown sunflowers and the promise of future feasts from our pumpkin patches and poultry, every corner of our ranch tells a story.

I hope this little glimpse into my world has brought you some joy and perhaps inspired you to appreciate the everyday wonders around you, wherever you are. How are you enjoying these beautiful fall days? Do you have any favorite autumn traditions or sights that bring you comfort and happiness? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!