White Gold

Whoever originally said, "don't cry over spilled milk," had never milked a goat.  Though I love the little dears, their behavior on the milk stand can bring me to tears.  I have been milking WebiGayle off and on for a year now.  It's taken that long to build a relationship and learn all of her little nuances.  We have to follow a routine: first she runs into a shelter, then she lets me catch her, and we head to the milk stand.  Once on the milk stand I always have to be aware of her behavior.  Sometimes she gets bored with the time it takes to milk and starts to jump around.  Other times a noise my spook her.  I always keep a hand on the milk pail.  Goat milk is a precious commodity; sweet and delicious.  Yes, I will cry when it spills; it's taken time and hard work to produce.  

It's a Blog About Nog

Fresh Goat's Milk Eggnog!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  It is  FINALLY snowing in the Rocky Mountain Foothills.  We are enjoying a warm, cozy day at home here on the Ranch.  It's so nice to relax in front of a roaring fire, making Christmas goodies.  I still have cookies to bake, but I thought I'd give homemade Eggnog a try.  I have fresh goat's milk and eggs, so why not!  

Goat's Milk Eggnog Recipe

Ingredients:

1 quart raw goat's milk

4 eggs

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cloves

Pinch of salt

Dash of vanilla

Pour 1 quart of goat's milk into a pot and slowly heat to 160 degrees.  This will pasteurize the milk.  (Have a candy thermometer handy to check temperature.)  While the milk is heating add sugar, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and vanilla, whisking as ingredients are added.  Continue to whisk occasionally.  As the milk heats crack 4 eggs into a blender and blend until frothy.  Once the  the milk mixture reaches 160 degrees, slowly pour in the eggs, whisking constantly.  Whisk mixture for 2 minutes to cook eggs slightly.  Pour into a glass jar and chill for several hours.  Once chilled, ENJOY!  

The Eggnog is delicious by itself or with a shot of whiskey or rum!

The Battle Has Been Won

Playing momma goat.

For a week I have been doing battle with my doe, Erudite.  Last weekend she developed a VERY full udder, and it didn't look as though her doeling, Candor, had been nursing.  Erudite was attentive to little Candor, but was constantly keeping her from getting anything to eat.  I milked Erudite out and gave the wee one a bottle.  After a day of this little game, I discovered a cut on Erudite's udder probably from Candor's sharp little baby teeth.  I spent the past week milking Erudite twice a day and feeding Candor with a bottle.  Candor was definitely ready for the bottle when I'd head out, she was crying in hunger.  Erudite would give me at least 8 ounces at a time when I milked her.  She was paying attention to baby, but wouldn't let her nurse.  Finally, yesterday morning Candor was less whiny and Erudite was less full.  By last night Candor didn't even pay attention to me, and I only milked a trickle out of Erudite.  Baby's happy, momma's happy, and I am happy.  Thankfully, the three of us remedied this very frustrating situation.